It makes sense really. We get a big upgrade in the LB position and it allows him to get more football, maybe even in his preferred midfield position.
The vibe around the club has maybe never been better, Sad that bernie might leave but it is what is, don’t really mind Sterling and Jesus leaving. Hopefully we just give pep a big extension so that we don’t need to have this convo every year give the man a contract to 2027. The young players we are bringing in is great aswell, screams out we have a long term project for the next decadeIt’s such a bizarre feeling to have the big signing done and dusted and now just be working through the nice to haves. Usually the other way round. The transfer forum is a lot more relaxed this summer. Phillips abs Cucerella would be the cherry on top.
Also none of our rivals are chasing any particularly daunting signings. A pep extension is THE next big signing for us.
Ferran 55, Jesus 50, Porro 8, Bazunu 12, Ikatura 6 is 130m alone... then we have Herrera which is guaranteed sale. Could reach 150m without even selling Sterling or Bernardo which is a massive sales budget. One of our biggest ever in a year?
yeah you right Frenkie could probably do that double pivot job we see bernardo do when he plays with rodri. He is arguably even more specialized at that but Bernie is better attacking wise bc he originally played much more offensive. 93.20blueo said we were in for him not sure if him and Jude is the ones we are looking at to replace Bernardo or maybe one is for gundo and the other for bernieIf Bernie goes would we actually need Philips… just asking as I’m sure FDJ could play that role
It’s just the natural cycle. Even though players come and go each year, there will always be a couple of summers where a large part of the squad is rotated. We had this in the mid-2010s too in preparation for Pep’s arrival & when he came in.Far too many exits on the horizon for my liking. Zinchenko, Raheem, Jesus. Then players in their last year being Gundogan and Mahrez, and Bernardo's situation being unclear.
Fair point. However, maybe he wants to start a lot more games in his preferred position? That said, he fought to stay last time and he might do the same again. He seems happy playing his role as not a starter in our best 11, but he's a crucial player for Pep as he is adaptable and can be trusted (yes, before anyone says it, I do remember the West Ham game).He gets first team football just now. And wins trophies.
We haven't won a trophy under Pep, without Zinchenko playing big stretches and a big part at crycial times in the season.
Surely a new LB would be to replace a certain Frenchman? In fact it's pretty much nailed on Zinch is an upgrade on 'he who shall not be named' regardless.It's also interesting that it seems like we are signing a LB to upgrade on Zinchenko. Rather than replacing a certain french LB.
With Ake as additional cover for LB. And Stones covering RB. Risky move....as it leaves us vulnerable if we have a similar defensive injury crisis we had at the end of last season.
Wonder if they'll throw one of the kids/loans in the squad as well.Cucurella/Cancelo for LB, Walker/Cancelo for RB. It seems mad that a player as talented as Cancelo, coming off multiple Team of the Year appearances, could possibly not be in the 'strongest' XI next year. Pep will probably rotate a lot with the fullbacks but I wonder if that role would be enough for Cancelo?
Cucurella/Cancelo for LB, Walker/Cancelo for RB. It seems mad that a player as talented as Cancelo, coming off multiple Team of the Year appearances, could possibly not be in the 'strongest' XI next year. Pep will probably rotate a lot with the fullbacks but I wonder if that role would be enough for Cancelo?
I honestly don`t know who passes the ball backwards so often, him or Stones.I actually think Walker is the one whose gonna see his minutes decrease. He's the most limited player in the build up. Can't cross, his passing is serviceable and not as comfortable in possession. He'll still get a lot of minutes but I think Pep will really like the idea of Cancelo on the right, Cucurella on the left overlapping our wingers who cut inside.
Hedging bets bud....do people think we're just gonna let bernardo/zinchenko/sterling leave and NOT sign a replacement? I don't understand the current freakout at all.
I actually think Walker is the one whose gonna see his minutes decrease. He's the most limited player in the build up. Can't cross, his passing is serviceable and not as comfortable in possession. He'll still get a lot of minutes but I think Pep will really like the idea of Cancelo on the right, Cucurella on the left overlapping our wingers who cut inside.
I get the feeling after a few years of the inverted fullbacks tucking in we are going to see a return to our width coming from full backs, which could mean more games at right back for Cancelo.I actually think Walker is the one whose gonna see his minutes decrease. He's the most limited player in the build up. Can't cross, his passing is serviceable and not as comfortable in possession. He'll still get a lot of minutes but I think Pep will really like the idea of Cancelo on the right, Cucurella on the left overlapping our wingers who cut inside.
I would love these 2 in our squad and keep Bernie as well :)yeah you right Frenkie could probably do that double pivot job we see bernardo do when he plays with rodri. He is arguably even more specialized at that but Bernie is better attacking wise bc he originally played much more offensive. 93.20blueo said we were in for him not sure if him and Jude is the ones we are looking at to replace Bernardo or maybe one is for gundo and the other for bernie