He's missed 10 games in 4 seasons through injury and has a £51m release clause. Given the state of the market and comparable transfers, I'd say £51m represents very fair value given that Rice moved for over £100m.The injuries are geniue concern. This is not because of me being over negative during January's transfer window. We have to tread very careful in bringing players now. By all means have a punt but it does mean overstretching us with the valuation and our supposed budget. Something we didn't do when making an attempt in signing Mahrez in the Centurion season but we did eventually did in the next transfer windw.
We aren’t getting Zubimendi. No way does he leave his boyhood club in January 4 months after agreeing to stay and see them over a transition season when Merino and Le Normand left. He is a summer option but even then it appears unlikely we will be in the CL, charges may be ongoing and the Rodri issue will be live. I imagine he will have many other options at that price and options which are a little more solid than what we can offer.
I think there are very few January options, but what we can’t do is fill the squad with stop gaps. If players like Zubemendi and other targets really aren’t available until summer we are going to have to wait.Agree he's not a January option but can see us making a move in Summer. I don't think lack of Champions League football is that big of a deal. Hasn't stopped us acquiring bigger names than him in the past and hasn't stopped our rivals doing so either.
I think there are very few January options, but what we can’t do is fill the squad with stop gaps. If players like Zubemendi and other targets really aren’t available until summer we are going to have to wait.
Though we could really do with one or two of our summer targets agreeing to move in January if at all possible.
fair point but Zubimendi will probably be able to pick from us, Liverpool, Arsenal have been linked and even Real should AT move on. CL will be part of the decision even if it’s a “toss up”. Think previously no cl was mitigated by us throwing money at player and selling club. Thankfully that’s not us. The no cl upside is the academy players will have more games in europa or conference league and keep them happy and let us see them. Means we will be in the Wharton, Eze market rather than Wirtz but maybe medium term that’s no bad thing.Agree he's not a January option but can see us making a move in Summer. I don't think lack of Champions League football is that big of a deal. Hasn't stopped us acquiring bigger names than him in the past and hasn't stopped our rivals doing so either.
100% - aside from loans - anyone signed in Jan has to be someone who is part of the plan over the next 3 seasons. Or we should leave it. Loans - can gamble a bit - give Juve a juicy loan fee and cover DLs wages makes sense for 6 months. Signing him for 50m less so.Totally agree. If it were a case of being a couple of points off the top and a certain player potentially being the difference between winning the league and not, then I think go all out. But I dont think overpaying for anyone or panic buying second choice options for the sake of it will change our fortunes as far as this season is concerned. In fact it it could be harmful to our longer term rebuild.
Its tough that we don't have an understudy for the current ballon d'or winner, champion League' and Premiership conqueror.
When you read those words and they settle, you get a real realisation just what a task its going to be getting a temporary replacement who can fill Rodri's boots.
Who in their right mind wants to challenge a phenomenon like Rodri? It means they will be sat on the bench once he is back and fit. Probably playing the last 10 to 20 minutes.
I can't see what Zubidoo will offer us other than a direct replacement for Rodri? Zubimendi is too good for the second fiddle role and we can't play them both together. Its one or the other.
We're probably looking for a 21 year old at most who has 80% Rodri's abilities and potential, but is willing to play second fiddle until Rodri gets injured or retires. Besides it could take him 12 months to fully understand the Rodri role, thats not unfeasible, it took Rodri 12 months to master his role, and he's a switched on dude.
I dare say that Kev will be easier to replace because of his injuries and age, and theres very few players like Kev.
Its a tough one, its nowhere near the "plug and play" senario that folk are wishing for.
We'll need some luck and timing.
Current issues are with his back and has already suffered and Abductor injury this season. Missed Real Sociedad's game yesterday. He isn't worth the mid-season rush even with our current situation.He's missed 10 games in 4 seasons through injury and has a £51m release clause. Given the state of the market and comparable transfers, I'd say £51m represents very fair value given that Rice moved for over £100m.
Or are you going to tell me he'd be worse than Lewis/ Gundogan?