We were admirers when at Sporting as well. Pep was a big fan especially, so makes sense we went there but agree it was a reaction signing. KDB recovery meant we did need someone.
Lucas Paquetá
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Gaz (FMwkdsoul)
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Neves is the shout in the Silva/Kova profile for me. Could see Pep going for someone taller though, he likes someone who can fight in the ariel challenge in the #6
Don't understimate Neves aerial challenges, in fact that's one strong aspect of his game, he often goes for and wins a lot of aerial duels even against players 4/5 inches taller and that's one of the reasons why he shows up in the penalty box for corner kicks as well. He won more aerial duels today than all the ther midfielders combined.
Zenmanc
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cordonbleu
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Dribble
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Hammers fans are already resigned to losing him. They were glad the transfer fell apart last summer & are hoping the betting allegations aren't sorted before the close of the summer window, so they get another season out of him.
However, we've got a weaker squad than last season & are badly missing Mahrez & Gundog. I hope we go bigger this summer than last without any uncharacteristic panic buys, & finally land Lucas & can acquire Wirtz, a left back & a world class CDM.
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Be nice, but very slim chance.
Dribble
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I live in hope... :-)
We need to go big and make 3 or 4 big signings but that will cost a lot of money 250-300M.
Cm Paquetta 80M, Wirtz/Mussila 80/100m , Kimmich 50m plus full back.
So it may require us losing a couple of big names to do so, Bernardo sadly I think will be off and that for the bargain of 50m, I would say one other top player will be off to offset the outgoing cash.
Dribble
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I think losing Mahrez unexpectedly & the Paqueta deal falling apart at the 11th hour seriously affected our last summer window.
Having Mahrez & Paqueta available this season, plus Kovacic & Doku would've made a huge difference to our season. Hopefully Txiki is all over this.
I also want us to solve our perma-LB problem, whether that be Gomez or someone else.
The weird one is Gomez. Rumours were he wanted to leave either on loan or permanently in January, but Pep blocked it.
It could be because we need him as an emergency backup, or could it be that Pep thinks he's something to offer, but just needs more time? He's always been pretty decent in his cameos, so I suppose this summer will be pivotal for him.
I was surprised we allowed Perrone to leave on loan. After a slow start in La Liga, apparently he's doing really well, but I've not been able to watch much Spanish football to see for myself. He looks a brilliant understudy for Rodri.
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With Gomez to me there is no doubt about the talent, just think it's more down to strength and self belief.
Missing out on Paquetta was a huge blow, although I think losing Mahrez gave Pep little loss of sleep, it was a good time for him to go and for very decent money.
A open question, if the Saudi's offer 100M for KDB and we could get Wirtz for the same fee, would you do it?
Dribble
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Probably yes. Kev can remain until retirement, but his injuries are piling up & he'll be 33 in June. Ole Father time waits for no man, so if a huge £100m bid came in for him, & he was offered the rumoured £50m per season three year deal in Saudi, it might suit everyone all round.
HOWEVER, KDB's never struck me as being money driven. He's probably wealthy beyond his wildest dreams already, so would he be tempted to uproot his young family for £150m?
Also, there's the weather. Do they make factor 500 sun cream?
As for Mahrez, it was an unexpected departure, & to be honest I don't think we've properly replaced him.
I know he divided opinion, but I always rated him higher than most & I honestly believe he'll go down as City's most underrated player.
We miss his goals & assists from the right.
Agreed with Gomez. Hopefully it works out for him at City.
blueparrot
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A left back.really? What have the last 9 relegated teams all had?, what have the last 3 champions and the last European champuions not had ?. What did we have when we ended up in the 3rd tier? I'll tell you ,one of them left back things whatever they are, obviously they are bad news :)
"I know he divided opinion, but I always rated him higher than most & I honestly believe he'll go down as City's most underrated player."
100% agree on that, his goals and assists were outstanding, a superb technical player, with the finest first touch I have ever seen in person.
blueparrot
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He isn't really a Bernardo replacement, more Gundogan I'd say. Bernardo spends most of his time wide right. If Bernardo goes (not sure he will) and Foden plays more central taking KDB s place eventually, then what we really need to replace Bernardo is more of a wide player.
Dribble
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I think Paqueta is more of a Gundog replacement tbh.
supercity88
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I wouldn't sell De Bruyne. No way. He's had injury issues this season but still delivered 15 goal contributions in 14 games. He's 33 this summer, but capable of playing on in my opinion. He either plays fewer minutes whilst others come through or evolves his game to play a more controlled role.
We can easily sell other assets and bring in money to replace him.
It's a shame we didn't/couldn't buy Paqueta instead on Nunes in the summer, I think we'd be in a lot better position now if we had. But as things are, despite things not going quite to plan we're in a great place to challenge for the big three trophies yet again.
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