Houssem Aouar

[chesterbells]

There is another option - that’s controversial but you have to wonder with Ferns rapid decline whether we pull him from the squad and put him on the coaching staff instead. It could be an option.

Yeah, that true. Re the possible signing, he’s decent, but hardly fits the bill for our most pressing transfer need - or is it for Silva’s spot?

 

[decmancity]

The way I look at it is that we have 3 central midfielders. KDB, Rodri and Gundogan.

I don't think Pep likes Foden or Bernardo there and Fernandinho is likely just going to fill in wherever for his final year.

Aouar would be an ideal signing, he has proven he has the quality and if hes available for 50m euros or whatever then its a bargain.

 

[SleepingBlueTiger]

Pep bought Rodri for 70m last summer ffs.

He has to coach his players, not spend 50m+ each summer on a new midfielder.

The only reason to bring in Aouar is if Gundogan leaves this summer and I don’t see him do that.

1) Pep didn't buy anyone. The club did. Pep's job is to coach players as you say, not scout them. Sure he gave gave input what kind of player he wants but it is up to club to find that player.

2) Aouar doesn't even play in the same position as Rodri. He'd be a replacement for David Silva who is leaving. Without injuries I'd agree we have enough bodies at the moment but 1 injury and things are suddenly very worrying.

3) Every single club has purchases that don't work out, Rodri could of course still work out but to say we shouldn't replace him if the club feels so isn't really the mentality that wins you titles.

 

[domalino]

This year was badly effected by us not landing our targets in the 2019 window.

If Pep is going out at the end of this season, or next, then spend as much money as the club can possibly afford, on getting every last player he wants, and then at least at the end of it we can say we gave him everything to make this a success instead of realising in September that this season was going to be a horror show because we didn't buy a CB when he knew he needed one.

 

[Gabriel]

You must have noticed that every time the ref blew for a free kick it was because Aouar was lying on the turf screaming and spitting his dummy out.

Cornet not Aouar.

 

[leewill31]

Aouar reminds me of Foden or should that be the other way around

 

[OB1]

As it stands, one of 3 plodders will play in midfield every week, sometimes two.

Against teams who are using athleticism to counter our play.

You are confident with that ?

We have to address the lack of pace and power in the squad. And, TBF, Ake and Torres will increase the average speed of the squad.

 

[skyblues]

1) Pep didn't buy anyone. The club did. Pep's job is to coach players as you say, not scout them. Sure he gave gave input what kind of player he wants but it is up to club to find that player.

2) Aouar doesn't even play in the same position as Rodri. He'd be a replacement for David Silva who is leaving. Without injuries I'd agree we have enough bodies at the moment but 1 injury and things are suddenly very worrying.

3) Every single club has purchases that don't work out, Rodri could of course still work out but to say we shouldn't replace him if the club feels so isn't really the mentality that wins you titles.

1. Did you seriously just say that?...

2. The replacement for David Silva is Foden and he's been exceptional, better than Aouar. If we don't give him a proper chance, he'll leave the club he loves to play elsewhere. He will definitely have to fight for his spot but he waited all these years to succeed Silva, and the summer David is off, another midfielder comes in, despite Pep said multiple times a midfielder will not be signed.

3. When you spend 70m and a club record to sign someone, you better get it right. People are already laughing at the club for overspending and we're not exactly helping ourselves.

If Rodri or Gundogan for some reason wants out this summer, then yes this transfer makes sense. If it is to replace Fernandinho, then it doesn't make sense because Aouar is not a very capable defender.

Do I like the guy? Definitely, but imo Aouar is not a signing to help us win the league or the UCL, a strong defence is.

I still don't think this deal will happen. No credible journos said this is on.

 

[domalino]

99% of the objection to this transfer seems to be Foden fear.

He's not going anywhere, he's going to play. He's getting picked ahead of Mahrez and Bernardo. Pep's been in love with him since his first preseason, he's been our second best player since the restart.

Worry about Gundogan and Mahrez, worry about Bernardo if he doesn't get his form back. Phil's game time is only going in one direction.

 

[Marvin]

1. Did you seriously just say that?...

2. The replacement for David Silva is Foden and he's been exceptional, better than Aouar. If we don't give him a proper chance, he'll leave the club he loves to play elsewhere. He will definitely have to fight for his spot but he waited all these years to succeed Silva, and the summer David is off, another midfielder comes in, despite Pep said multiple times a midfielder will not be signed.

3. When you spend 70m and a club record to sign someone, you better get it right. People are already laughing at the club for overspending and we're not exactly helping ourselves.

If Rodri or Gundogan for some reason wants out this summer, then yes this transfer makes sense. If it is to replace Fernandinho, then it doesn't make sense because Aouar is not a very capable defender.

Do I like the guy? Definitely, but imo Aouar is not a signing to help us win the league or the UCL, a strong defence is.

I still don't think this deal will happen. No credible journos said this is on.

I agree. He looked very good but there are certain areas of the team that need strengthening and some that don't. We should be focused on what we need. I expect we are. It's a case for fans of filtering the news.