It's Quiet 18 - Wanna ring the bell?

[Semper aggressus]

Seems like Rodri knows who he wants in the team

Would be an amazing signing, just the quality and personality we are in desperate need of.

 

[robbieh]

Would be an amazing signing, just the quality and personality we are in desperate need of.

He definitely has the X factor. And I'd imagine Haaland would love playing alongside him.

Bobb, Doku, Savio and him.

So Pep would move from wanting 10 midfielders in his team to .....

 

[Gabriel]

I don’t think the club think that at all and had reasons for trying to hang on until next summer, but I’m fairly sure they would rather wait for the right players in the summer when it’s easier to move players out as well, if needs be. They will do what they can in January, I just think they will be limited by whats possible though.

Even if they did think that, though, there was no way that such an ageing/injury-susceptible squad could be rebuilt in one summer, not even two, so doing so little business last summer was only allowing the problem to grow. The richer pickings will come in the summer, I agree, but we need bodies now that will help keep us in contention so that we'll still be able to attract those main targets then.

 

[blueparrot]

Even if they did think that, though, there was no way that such an ageing/injury-susceptible squad could be rebuilt in one summer, not even two, so doing so little business last summer was only allowing the problem to grow. The richer pickings will come in the summer, I agree, but we need bodies now that will help keep us in contention so that we'll still be able to attract those main targets then.

I think we only need 3 or 4 out and in,so if we get 1 in January then 2 or 3 in summer we will be fine for next season. Then the summer after maybe another 2.
It is possible a couple we don’t want or need to move on will want to, thinking Ederson and Bernardo which may complicate things a bit, but nothing we can’t deal with.

 

[robbieh]

An amazing stat that over 50% of the minutes played by City are by players 29 years and older. That's double Arsenal.
Chelsea meanwhile 0%

Man City's Premier League title defence collapsing due to Pep Guardiola's poor recruitment

How did Manchester City allow this group of players to grow old without replacements ready? It is poor squad-building that has cost Pep Guardiola as the Premier League champions see their hopes of defending their title unravel, argues Adam Bate...

www.skysports.com

 

[oldius]

An amazing stat that over 50% of the minutes played by City are by players 29 years and older. That's double Arsenal.
Chelsea meanwhile 0%

Man City's Premier League title defence collapsing due to Pep Guardiola's poor recruitment

How did Manchester City allow this group of players to grow old without replacements ready? It is poor squad-building that has cost Pep Guardiola as the Premier League champions see their hopes of defending their title unravel, argues Adam Bate...

www.skysports.com

Injuries skew the data. For example, Rodri and Foden would usually play every game - both have been missing, and both are under 29. Bobb would have been playing - 20.

 

[robbieh]

Injuries skew the data. For example, Rodri and Foden would usually play every game - both have been missing, and both are under 29. Bobb would have been playing - 20.

Of course but it suggests that Spurs and Chelsea have very youthful squads and we don't.

And that when we have injuries we don't play many youngsters.

 

[blueparrot]

Of course but it suggests that Spurs and Chelsea have very youthful squads and we don't.

Not really I saw a thing that said we had plenty of younger players comparable with most teams and a few over 30s but what the squad actually lacks are those in the 26 / 29 range.

 

[Gabriel]

I think we only need 3 or 4 out and in,so if we get 1 in January then 2 or 3 in summer we will be fine for next season. Then the summer after maybe another 2.
It is possible a couple we don’t want or need to move on will want to, thinking Ederson and Bernardo which may complicate things a bit, but nothing we can’t deal with.

True. Players with a year left on their contracts will be impossible to shift in the summer. Tad awkward lauding two-way loyalty and then hoping those same loyal players will walk early for our benefit.

I still think the squad could be strengthened in this window with a couple of solid defensive players, who were both experienced and physically dependable. The harder task will come in the summer when we try to find the much needed midfield creativity .

 

[robbieh]

In the last year or so the midfielders where there seemed to be some concrete interest were Paqueta, Guimares and Wharton.

Newcastle think that some cryptic clues posted by their midfielder means he is leaving.

Would he be a good signing in January?