New striker?

[Glauber Berti]

We took a chance with Dias

To replace Otamendi, Yes.

We're talking about replacing the best striker this club has ever seen, there isn't any room for Punts or Potential. Whilst I love city's transfer policy of buying young and developing, an Aguero replacement is something the club simply can't cheap out on.

We need to (Just for this replacement) Put the money on the table - pay the exorbitant fees, take it on the chin and bring in someone who is going to take the game by storm right here, right now.

 

[kun]

To replace Otamendi, Yes.

We're talking about replacing the best striker this club has ever seen, there isn't any room for Punts or Potential. Whilst I love city's transfer policy of buying young and developing, an Aguero replacement is something the club simply can't cheap out on.

We need to (Just for this replacement) Put the money on the table - pay the exorbitant fees, take it on the chin and bring in someone who is going to take the game by storm right here, right now.

To an extent I agree we should go all out for Haaland or Mbappé, but I just don't think missing out on them is the be all and end all. Dias was, ostensibly, a replacement for Otamendi but really he has been the Kompany replacement we've been waiting for. One we also "couldn't afford to get wrong" but a lot of people (myself included) were sceptical about Dias.

 

[Glauber Berti]

To an extent I agree we should go all out for Haaland or Mbappé, but I just don't think missing out on them is the be all and end all. Dias was, ostensibly, a replacement for Otamendi but really he has been the Kompany replacement we've been waiting for. One we also "couldn't afford to get wrong" but a lot of people (myself included) were sceptical about Dias.

Whist I agree in most parts

you're comparing Portuguese league winner, Uefa Nations League Winner, Club Captain, International Captain Ruben Dias to Ollie Watkins

Now in no way am I saying I had any idea Dias would perform as he has, I think most people would say he's surpassed expectations

But the pedigree was there with Dias, and I know that's easy to say with hindsight considering how well he's done, but all signs since Dias was young were pointing towards him having at least a serviceable career at the top level.

Ollie Watkins, despite admittedly brilliant performances, including a goal today and a good few chances from what I saw. Is 25 years old and doesn't look personally like he's got the room or ability to grow into one of world footballs elite centre forwards.

That's not saying he won't go on to have a good career, he will, he just isn't top level material especially once you factor in that Villa got him for around 30m and his stock has risen since then, add in the English Tax post Brexit and the City tax and you'd be lucky to get change out of 60m for Watkins, Personally, he's simply not worth that amount at all.

 

[kun]

Whist I agree in most parts

you're comparing Portuguese league winner, Uefa Nations League Winner, Club Captain, International Captain Ruben Dias to Ollie Watkins

Now in no way am I saying I had any idea Dias would perform as he has, I think most people would say he's surpassed expectations

But the pedigree was there with Dias, and I know that's easy to say with hindsight considering how well he's done, but all signs since Dias was young were pointing towards him having at least a serviceable career at the top level.

Ollie Watkins, despite admittedly brilliant performances, including a goal today and a good few chances from what I saw. Is 25 years old and doesn't look personally like he's got the room or ability to grow into one of world footballs elite centre forwards.

That's not saying he won't go on to have a good career, he will, he just isn't top level material especially once you factor in that Villa got him for around 30m and his stock has risen since then, add in the English Tax post Brexit and the City tax and you'd be lucky to get change out of 60m for Watkins, Personally, he's simply not worth that amount at all.

You're right but I wasn't really talking specifically about Watkins. I do think Watkins is a bit too much of a risk.
I was mostly responding to the point where you said "Haaland, Mbappé or bust".
I was thinking more of other (similar if not higher reputation than Dias) strikers who aren't Mbappé/Haaland.
Players like Lautaro Martinez, João Felix, Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku, Luka Jović etc.

 

[Rammyblues]

In many respects this is just more than signing a player, it is replacing a legend. No I dea who we will get and when I will leave that up to Pep and the gang. How I would like it to pan out would be
City sign messi
Aguero signs new contract
Following summer haaland sign
Year after thatvMessi goes to the states, along with serge
Haaland and jesus become city's front two. It isn't too much to ask is it.

 

[The1nvisibleMan]

 

[The1nvisibleMan]

 

[Dobsy]

The article also mentions Ings. Ings, Haaland, Lukaku are all powerful, strong. I wonder if this rules out Martinez of Inter, he's more slight.

Lukaku I really think there's something in it as he's technically a homegrown player too.

I also suspect it signals the end of the fairytale with Sergio, as he doesn't fit that profile and it's been so long now that he's not been fit enough to play. I hope he can make a comeback.

 

[balotelli's back pocket]

If we were in a position where we needed two centre forwards (i.e. if both Sergio and Gabby left), we could do a lot worse than Ings. Year left on his contract, wants another chance to play at the top level. Really good all round striker.

 

[TonyM]

WTF!