And the entire season a lack of a 9 was our Achilles heel in games where we could have finished off the opposition and especially the CL first leg, fair enough we won the league and I'm grateful for Pep but why risk the situation of being handicapped, might as well be proactive and address it while we're at it.
Just read the Athletic article also stating neither Dias or Laporte are fit and won't be available for the start of season, that's a huge blow as well. So we're incredibly thin for a season that will have around 16-17 games prior to the world cup, all crunched up closely. So while 'he can play there' statements are okay from Pep, we absolutely need another defensive body. Stones Aké Walker and Cancelo seem nailed on starters for season and if Stones who's historically injury prone gets done in, then what? Rodri or Phillips at CB? Maybe Walker? It's really simple, pay what Brighton want, even if it's not justified, but we have to sort it on our end. Our squad cannot be thin at any position given its a world cup year especially. Makeshift options each season have worked but cost us dearly in Europe