Bluesince1979
Well-Known Member
I think youre being very generous to too many players there.Don't really think the squad needs a huge upgrade. Just a few tweaks.
Goalkeepers: Ederson's good to stay, Ortega will go so probably need to replace him.
Defenders: Walker will stay but step down and Lewis will move into midfield so a new RB is due. Or we move Akanji to RB full-time and buy a new CB. Happy with everyone else.
Midfielders: Not sure a "Rodri back-up" exists in the form we want, we just need someone like Kovacic but with more defensive discipline. Speaking of, Kovacic is fine to stay. De Bruyne will take a step back, Foden will remain first option. Gundogan will go. Bernardo will stay but take a step back. New DM/CM and creative CAM needed imo.
Wingers: Bobb, Savinho, Doku, and Grealish is enough to be going on with. Nunes too if he fancies staying out on the left. Sneaky suspicion Grealish might leave for a fresh start after all these injuries, the burglary, new child, etc. So perhaps we'll be in the market there.
Forwards: Haaland is incredible, he's good to stay. Need another number 9 to back him up a bit.
So, a back-up GK if Ortega leaves, a RB (or CB), a DM/CM hybrid type, a creative CAM, and a striker. Five players. Shouldn't be too hard to line up the targets Pep wants and give it a go.
I see too many of the players you mention to stay as decidedly average .
Some have youth on their side but with huge question marks over them.
Some absolutely do not have youth and need moving on. And i dont buy that we need the older players to lead because they just arent leaders.
I think your last line is the crux. Is pep staying or is he going? Because a one year extension is use nor ornament. Players like stability and wont fancy not knowing what manager is coning in if pep is only hanging about for a year. May as well be a new broom, much as it pains me