Declan Rice

[Didsbury Dave]

I'm not so sure. For a start, even rich footballers have family lives.

I was living in London when I had my first child, and everyone we knew from ante-natal classes ended up moving nearer to their parents within 2-3 years. Being around family, and having that support, is really important if you've just had a baby. Being rich might mean he can travel more easily, pay for help, or move family, but it's not the same as being close to "home".

He may also look at Arsenal last year, where they really did have a great chance of winning the title, and think that being part of a team that wins their first title in twenty years would be a big achievement. Coming to City might be the nearest thing to a guarantee of medals, but there's still a huge pull to go and be there at the start of something.

I accept that family life is a factor but footballers can moved themselves and their families around the country at the drop of a hat. I don't accept the "huge pull" premise at all. Footballers want to improve themselves, be happy and maximise their potential, ideally in the form of trophies. Being "at the start of something" is a risk for a player because it could just as easily be the start of more mediocrity. City provide a stability and guarantee that Arsenal don't.

 

[LIBlue]

I don’t know about y’all but I enjoy txiki blinder random signings after missing a target Dias wasn’t too bad ;)

 

[David Silva]

I don’t see where Veiga fits in to be honest, especially as both Phil and Alvarez seem to rotate into that KDB role already. Completely different type of midfielder to Rice so how is that an alternative? Same goes for some of the other names being clamoured for in here.

I don’t think we are that desperate for another CM unless we lose Phillips or Bernardo, but in the event we do, we need someone closer in style to Gundo or David Silva imo. Not many of those about though.

 

[wolviedinho]

If Stones and Dias could stay fit, and Bernie stayed, I would probably agree.

Stones can play midfield with his eyes closed.

Maybe hold the refresh button until next season when players we actually want become available? Hardly be a disaster.

 

[mattcity5]

Arsenal fans are just like Utd's fans ,their heads swell to the size of Frank Sidebottom's when they have a bit of success .
Looking forward to see it go pearshaped by christmas for them & Arteta shown the door .

It's a hell of an amount for them to splash on one player when they really need to sign 3 new defenders.

 

[FatedBlue77]

I don’t see where Veiga fits in to be honest, especially as both Phil and Alvarez seem to rotate into that KDB role already. Completely different type of midfielder to Rice so how is that an alternative? Same goes for some of the other names being clamoured for in here.

I don’t think we are that desperate for another CM unless we lose Phillips or Bernardo, but in the event we do, we need someone closer in style to Gundo or David Silva imo. Not many of those about though.

Got to be agent talk

 

[tolmie's hairdoo]

Maybe hold the refresh button until next season when players we actually want become available? Hardly be a disaster.

It would be a mistake.

Don't underestimate the mental fatigue and ability to go again next season.

Huge task for some players at the wrong end of the age scale.

 

[SebastianBlue]

I am one of the few on here that didn’t really think he was good enough for us, so I am not bothered we have pulled out.

In fact, I am happy we do this, as it is important to maintain the precedent for our transfer dealings in the future.

And it’s not as if we’ve often gone wrong in the past when we have done this.

*cough* Maguire, Kane, Cucu *cough*

 

[JWCH-99]

I don’t want anyone. Happy with the squad we have once gvardiol comes in.

Foden can step into Gundo shoes and kova can fill in were required. Phillips is determined to come good.

Playmaker in the near future would be fine. Next season will be a blast. Remember we won the treble? -:)

I think if foden is coming inside you need one more winger for cover. Maybe like a Coman or olise

 

[Dribble]

I'd say he holds on to the ball a little too long, but that's probably because he just trusts his strength to get him out of a situation.

I had it in my head he was more a Ferran Torres build, but he's actually more like Rice.

Szoboszlai looks like he has everything in his locker and could easily replace Mahrez on the right flank.

Veiga looks more a floater than a pitbull power pack, but I'm pretty sure Pep could iron out any wrinkles if he were to come here.

Szoboszlai surprised me! I watched a couple of matches & he seriously impressed me. He's actually an attacking midfielder who's also a superb winger too!

Again, very much like a young KDB. Apparently he's VERY good mates with Haaland, so we need to hurry up if we're interested.

I think a lot will depend on Bernardo staying & how confident we are in McAtee making the grade. I suppose we'll never know unless we give him the opportunity to prove himself.

Personally I'd spend the £100m Arse are putting into Rice on Szoboszlai & Veiga, & trigger Güler's clause...

This lot would frighten the shite out of those wishing Pep would fuck off & City implode! Lol :-)