There is no way the club doesnt have a plan for every squad eventuality. Id even be shocked if there wasnt a “how do we replace KDB if we needed to” plan.
They dont stumble into the window, see who wants to leave and who they can get, its planned out in scenarios years in advance.
The “if sterling leaves this summer what do we do” plan will have been discussed for the last 6 months and they will have agreed either there needs a replacement straight away or wait 12 months for the right target to emerge.
I suspect the club has actually targeted nkuku (hence why hes signed a contract with reasonable buyout) or another option and they will wait. I think its a risk but if we dont give palmer and mcatee a go now, they’ll never get that chance so i’ll back it.
Sterling out, new LB and an Ake replacement (if needed) and we’ll be done. Dont see bernardo going anywhere.