Centre-back

[Dax777]

Besides the fact that I don't think we need a CD, seeing as we have decent to very good ones. But if we are really looking for cost effective alternatives to these overpriced defenders, I'd put my money on Joel Veltman. A young all round Solid defender.

 

[sam-caddick]

Now the fixtures have come out I can see the club thinking twice about Benatia because if Yaya does decide to stay on with Ivory Coast I don't think we can afford two key members of what will be our first XI going away for a month or so.

One could go, but not both.

It will be interesting how the Benatia business pans out!

 

[Klaude]

Besides the fact that I don't think we need a CD, seeing as we have decent to very good ones. But if we are really looking for cost effective alternatives to these overpriced defenders, I'd put my money on Joel Veltman. A young all round Solid defender.

If we want to continue in CL and become the top, we do. Our attack is amazing but our defence could be better and no youngster for 1m can solve that. Just remember Barca last season... Won't do mate

 

[FantasyIreland]

Jan? Suderland,Everton,Chelsea and Arsenal?

You don't think our squad could cope with those fixtures?

Behave.

 

[whp.blue]

Jan? Suderland,Everton,Chelsea and Arsenal?

You don't think our squad could cope with those fixtures?

Behave.

three of those teams took points off us last season plus Jan will bring some cup games as well

 

[chris85mcfc]

I really don't want to see us spending £25 - £30 million on a CB

The signing of Fernando will see us look a lot more solid in the CL and in any tricky games in the PL

Just think considering the spending cap we have that the money could be spent a bit better, we could sign a CB but id rather we signed someone who could improve us for half the money that is being quoted, rather than buying a 'big name'

 

[Klaude]

I really don't want to see us spending £25 - £30 million on a CB

The signing of Fernando will see us look a lot more solid in the CL and in any tricky games in the PL

Just think considering the spending cap we have that the money could be spent a bit better, we could sign a CB but id rather we signed someone who could improve us for half the money that is being quoted, rather than buying a 'big name'

But we NEED a better partner to Vinny and we do not need more attacking players, we have enough of that

 

[LoveCity]

I honestly find myself staggered that anyone could think we don't need a centre-back, especially with Lescott gone. We have one of the world's best, an aging veteran (34 during the season) who may not be able to repeat last season's level, a promising young defender who is years from his prime but who has struggled with the high line so far, and a couple of good prospects but no guarantees.

There is clearly a vacancy for a defender of exceptional quality in his 20s. We have more strength in depth everywhere else, which is why this is a priority and not one of the many luxury signings suggested (which should only come if there's money left over). We're one Kompany injury away (and we all know about his injury record) from potential catastrophe. Imagine a 34-year-old Demichelis and 21-year-old Nastasic for a couple of months or over two legs in the CL against elite opposition.

Central defence: Kompany, Demichelis, Nastasic, Boyata (Rekik)

Right-back: Zabaleta, Sagna

Left-back: Kolarov, Clichy

Central midfield: Yaya, Fernandinho, Fernando, Garcia, Rodwell

Attacking midfield: Silva, Nasri, Navas, Milner, Jovetic (Lopes)

Forward: Aguero, Dzeko, Negredo, Jovetic (Guidetti)

^ Central defence clearly stands out like a sore thumb as lacking quality in depth.

 

[chris85mcfc]

I really don't want to see us spending £25 - £30 million on a CB

The signing of Fernando will see us look a lot more solid in the CL and in any tricky games in the PL

Just think considering the spending cap we have that the money could be spent a bit better, we could sign a CB but id rather we signed someone who could improve us for half the money that is being quoted, rather than buying a 'big name'

But we NEED a better partner to Vinny and we do not need more attacking players, we have enough of that

I'm not saying we don't NEED a better partner. I'm saying i wish we didn't need to spend £30 million on one, plenty of top players have joined their clubs for <£10 million over the last few years. Vidic and Kompany were in that category.

 

[MeatHunterrr]

I really don't want to see us spending £25 - £30 million on a CB

The signing of Fernando will see us look a lot more solid in the CL and in any tricky games in the PL

Just think considering the spending cap we have that the money could be spent a bit better, we could sign a CB but id rather we signed someone who could improve us for half the money that is being quoted, rather than buying a 'big name'

But we NEED a better partner to Vinny and we do not need more attacking players, we have enough of that

I'm not saying we don't NEED a better partner. I'm saying i wish we didn't need to spend £30 million on one, plenty of top players have joined their clubs for <£10 million over the last few years. Vidic and Kompany were in that category.

Kompany was nowhere near the level he is now. bit different, id prefer instant impact which is needed.

 

[LoveCity]

I'm not saying we don't NEED a better partner. I'm saying i wish we didn't need to spend £30 million on one, plenty of top players have joined their clubs for <£10 million over the last few years. Vidic and Kompany were in that category.

Well, if the club's two main targets (Benatia and Mangala) cost £30m, then why not spend £30m if we can afford it? This is one position we can't mess around with and if our scouts have made a shortlist that is comprised of £30m players, then why not pay it? A lot of top defenders go for fees in this range anyway and City have shown that they will spend big (£30m on Fernandinho) if they feel a position urgently needs upgrading.

There is almost certainly a cheap defender out there who will be worth £30m in a few years, but that player, as far as we know, isn't one of the club's main targets. Who knows, maybe one of the young defenders on our books, will be one of those. Maybe Rekik will impress in his next loan move if he has one and will come back to us to replace Demichelis when his contract runs out next summer.

If Fernando's initial fee is correct, we have £37m left to spend *before* any player sales with one position in need of strengthening far more than any other.

 

[chris85mcfc]

I'm not saying we don't NEED a better partner. I'm saying i wish we didn't need to spend £30 million on one, plenty of top players have joined their clubs for <£10 million over the last few years. Vidic and Kompany were in that category.

Well, if the club's two main targets (Benatia and Mangala) cost £30m, then why not spend £30m if we can afford it? This is one position we can't mess around with and if our scouts have made a shortlist that is comprised of £30m players, then why not pay it? A lot of top defenders go for fees in this range anyway and City have shown that they will spend big (£30m on Fernandinho) if they feel a position urgently needs upgrading.

There is almost certainly a cheap defender out there who will be worth £30m in a few years, but that player, as far as we know, isn't one of the club's main targets. Who knows, maybe one of the young defenders on our books, will be one of those. Maybe Rekik will impress in his next loan move if he has one and will come back to us to replace Demichelis when his contract runs out next summer.

If Fernando's initial fee is correct, we have £37m left to spend *before* any player sales with one position in need of strengthening far more than any other.

If we do spend the £30m on either of the above i won't be complaining, ill be glad we've signed a top CB regardless of the money spent.

My point was more that there must be players out there that would cost a lot less, almost like buying a Nike jumper but paying double what it would cost you to buy a reebok one. Just realised thats probably a silly comparison but my point is that both do the same job but you end up paying more cause its a big name.

But before i tie myself in a knot, if we do end up signing either of the above then i will be more than happy just as i was when we signed Fernandinho. Just annoys me when other clubs seem to dig up gems for next to nothing.

 

[MeatHunterrr]

I'm not saying we don't NEED a better partner. I'm saying i wish we didn't need to spend £30 million on one, plenty of top players have joined their clubs for <£10 million over the last few years. Vidic and Kompany were in that category.

Well, if the club's two main targets (Benatia and Mangala) cost £30m, then why not spend £30m if we can afford it? This is one position we can't mess around with and if our scouts have made a shortlist that is comprised of £30m players, then why not pay it? A lot of top defenders go for fees in this range anyway and City have shown that they will spend big (£30m on Fernandinho) if they feel a position urgently needs upgrading.

There is almost certainly a cheap defender out there who will be worth £30m in a few years, but that player, as far as we know, isn't one of the club's main targets. Who knows, maybe one of the young defenders on our books, will be one of those. Maybe Rekik will impress in his next loan move if he has one and will come back to us to replace Demichelis when his contract runs out next summer.

If Fernando's initial fee is correct, we have £37m left to spend *before* any player sales with one position in need of strengthening far more than any other.

If we do spend the £30m on either of the above i won't be complaining, ill be glad we've signed a top CB regardless of the money spent.

My point was more that there must be players out there that would cost a lot less, almost like buying a Nike jumper but paying double what it would cost you to buy a reebok one. Just realised thats probably a silly comparison but my point is that both do the same job but you end up paying more cause its a big name.

But before i tie myself in a knot, if we do end up signing either of the above then i will be more than happy just as i was when we signed Fernandinho. Just annoys me when other clubs seem to dig up gems for next to nothing.

But those "gems" dont have an instant impact which is needed at this level, considering our current centre back situation.

 

[chris85mcfc]

Well, if the club's two main targets (Benatia and Mangala) cost £30m, then why not spend £30m if we can afford it? This is one position we can't mess around with and if our scouts have made a shortlist that is comprised of £30m players, then why not pay it? A lot of top defenders go for fees in this range anyway and City have shown that they will spend big (£30m on Fernandinho) if they feel a position urgently needs upgrading.

There is almost certainly a cheap defender out there who will be worth £30m in a few years, but that player, as far as we know, isn't one of the club's main targets. Who knows, maybe one of the young defenders on our books, will be one of those. Maybe Rekik will impress in his next loan move if he has one and will come back to us to replace Demichelis when his contract runs out next summer.

If Fernando's initial fee is correct, we have £37m left to spend *before* any player sales with one position in need of strengthening far more than any other.

If we do spend the £30m on either of the above i won't be complaining, ill be glad we've signed a top CB regardless of the money spent.

My point was more that there must be players out there that would cost a lot less, almost like buying a Nike jumper but paying double what it would cost you to buy a reebok one. Just realised thats probably a silly comparison but my point is that both do the same job but you end up paying more cause its a big name.

But before i tie myself in a knot, if we do end up signing either of the above then i will be more than happy just as i was when we signed Fernandinho. Just annoys me when other clubs seem to dig up gems for next to nothing.

But those "gems" dont have an instant impact which is needed at this level, considering our current centre back situation.

Of course they do, like I said Zaba and Kompany were <£10million and how much did Chelsea pay for Cahill?

People are saying we need to sign someone on par for Kompany, that calibre of player doesn't exist IMO and certainly not in our budget

What's to say we spend £30m on Mangala and he rips up trees from the start? From what ive seen he looks average and hasn't impressed me at all. The same can't be said of the risk of Fernandinho because anyone that watches european football could see he was class.

 

[MeatHunterrr]

If we do spend the £30m on either of the above i won't be complaining, ill be glad we've signed a top CB regardless of the money spent.

My point was more that there must be players out there that would cost a lot less, almost like buying a Nike jumper but paying double what it would cost you to buy a reebok one. Just realised thats probably a silly comparison but my point is that both do the same job but you end up paying more cause its a big name.

But before i tie myself in a knot, if we do end up signing either of the above then i will be more than happy just as i was when we signed Fernandinho. Just annoys me when other clubs seem to dig up gems for next to nothing.

But those "gems" dont have an instant impact which is needed at this level, considering our current centre back situation.

Of course they do, like I said Zaba and Kompany were <£10million and how much did Chelsea pay for Cahill?

People are saying we need to sign someone on par for Kompany, that calibre of player doesn't exist IMO and certainly not in our budget

What's to say we spend £30m on Mangala and he rips up trees from the start? From what ive seen he looks average and hasn't impressed me at all. The same can't be said of the risk of Fernandinho because anyone that watches european football could see he was class.

Im not fan of Mangala either as he is overpriced. Benatia is readymade and is in his prime so much better signing around the same price. Benatia and Mangala are the prime targets for the club nothing can do about it if someone doesn't like that.

 

[nmc]

I'm not saying we don't NEED a better partner. I'm saying i wish we didn't need to spend £30 million on one, plenty of top players have joined their clubs for <£10 million over the last few years. Vidic and Kompany were in that category.

Well, if the club's two main targets (Benatia and Mangala) cost £30m, then why not spend £30m if we can afford it? This is one position we can't mess around with and if our scouts have made a shortlist that is comprised of £30m players, then why not pay it? A lot of top defenders go for fees in this range anyway and City have shown that they will spend big (£30m on Fernandinho) if they feel a position urgently needs upgrading.

There is almost certainly a cheap defender out there who will be worth £30m in a few years, but that player, as far as we know, isn't one of the club's main targets. Who knows, maybe one of the young defenders on our books, will be one of those. Maybe Rekik will impress in his next loan move if he has one and will come back to us to replace Demichelis when his contract runs out next summer.

If Fernando's initial fee is correct, we have £37m left to spend *before* any player sales with one position in need of strengthening far more than any other.

If we do spend the £30m on either of the above i won't be complaining, ill be glad we've signed a top CB regardless of the money spent.

My point was more that there must be players out there that would cost a lot less, almost like buying a Nike jumper but paying double what it would cost you to buy a reebok one. Just realised thats probably a silly comparison but my point is that both do the same job but you end up paying more cause its a big name.

But before i tie myself in a knot, if we do end up signing either of the above then i will be more than happy just as i was when we signed Fernandinho. Just annoys me when other clubs seem to dig up gems for next to nothing.

I think the immediate problem is that Roma and Porto are taking the pi$$ and we are struggling to land either for circa £30m. I think we need to get a CB in by mid July and have them go through a full pre season with us and hit the ground running for our early fixtures. I'm sure Txiki will be all too aware of this and will get it sorted.

 

[chris85mcfc]

But those "gems" dont have an instant impact which is needed at this level, considering our current centre back situation.

Of course they do, like I said Zaba and Kompany were <£10million and how much did Chelsea pay for Cahill?

People are saying we need to sign someone on par for Kompany, that calibre of player doesn't exist IMO and certainly not in our budget

What's to say we spend £30m on Mangala and he rips up trees from the start? From what ive seen he looks average and hasn't impressed me at all. The same can't be said of the risk of Fernandinho because anyone that watches european football could see he was class.

Im not fan of Mangala either as he is overpriced. Benatia is readymade and is in his prime so much better signing around the same price. Benatia and Mangala are the prime targets for the club nothing can do about it if someone doesn't like that.

Tbf mate we haven't heard anything from the club to say these are the players were interested in, we may well be interested in them as reports would suggest that, but we may also be looking at other options as well. Like i said ill be pleased with whoever we sign providing they are of the quality needed, my point is do we need to spend £30m to get that quality

 

[Deleted member 58619]

I honestly find myself staggered that anyone could think we don't need a centre-back, especially with Lescott gone. We have one of the world's best, an aging veteran (34 during the season) who may not be able to repeat last season's level, a promising young defender who is years from his prime but who has struggled with the high line so far, and a couple of good prospects but no guarantees.

There is clearly a vacancy for a defender of exceptional quality in his 20s. We have more strength in depth everywhere else, which is why this is a priority and not one of the many luxury signings suggested (which should only come if there's money left over). We're one Kompany injury away (and we all know about his injury record) from potential catastrophe. Imagine a 34-year-old Demichelis and 21-year-old Nastasic for a couple of months or over two legs in the CL against elite opposition.

Central defence: Kompany, Demichelis, Nastasic, Boyata (Rekik)

Right-back: Zabaleta, Sagna

Left-back: Kolarov, Clichy

Central midfield: Yaya, Fernandinho, Fernando, Garcia, Rodwell

Attacking midfield: Silva, Nasri, Navas, Milner, Jovetic (Lopes)

Forward: Aguero, Dzeko, Negredo, Jovetic (Guidetti)

^ Central defence clearly stands out like a sore thumb as lacking quality in depth.

I'm in 100% agreement, this is the position I would like us to strengthen the most.

Would be great to sign a partner who could play with Vincent for next 5 years or so

 

[Ray78]

We have signed a decent stop gap in Demichelis and our youngsters have a promising future but for us to have a chance to progress further then a Centre-back is top priority.

 

[Deleted member 58619]

Ok so who is out there at centre back

I think we should consider that we would prefer our centre half to have pace due to our style of play.

Sergio Ramos? Too expensive and not for sale
Thiago Silva? Too expensive and not for sale
Hummels? Would be expensive and available for the right price
Subotic? Would be expensive and available for the right price
Benatia? Cracking season but Roma playing hardball
Godin? Cracking season but Athletico would demand a high transfer fee
Mangala? Young unproven but loads of potential, high fee expected
Chiellini? Juventus through and through, absolutely cracking defender though!
Pique? Home grown, lacks pace and would be difficult to sign from Barca
Pepe? Utter **** but could defender who could be available at a lower fee but high wages, has loads of risks associated with him.
Vermaelen? Belgian, injury prone recently, would be available from feeder club

So looking at that list, it's by no means definitive but you can see that you are going to pay a premium for centre halfs. Add to that the amount of clubs looking to strengthen this position.

In my perfect world Micah would move to centre half and go on to become a City legend playing alongside Kompany. Shame that at the moment they call him Mr Glass

Rekik for me looks great but still requires further development. At the risk of putting him out 1 more season without him becoming demoralised.
I don't think Boyata will reach the level we aspire to
Demichellis is great cover for one more season.

Nastasic had a promising first season but injuries hampered progress last year.

What is clear is that finding a top centre half to partner Vinnie is of upmost importance