Great post Tolm but doesnt it make us weaker on numbers ?
Eight out and 5 in..
With all the injuries we have over the past 2 years, we need a big squad..
We don't need a big squad, we need the right personnel who can 'multi-task' as Pep puts in.
I would argue Pogba and Gundogan are two sides of the same coin when it comes to filling the giant hole left by Yaya? Gundogan can be either/or both the transition and the screen, if needs be.
Pogba simply pushes us over the top, also providing that sheer physical presence and goal threat higher up (which Yaya also did - and really was that good)
Isco replaces Silva in both transition, water carrying, intensity and a quality goal threat in the final third. That allows one of the new additions to be out injured/suspended and Fernandino and Nasri still coming in helping to supplement the midfield?
We must take this leap of faith with some of our younger talents, who can only improve working with the injection of world-class younger players we will be looking to introduce.
The only hole in my workings is we do need another striker, and there are not many tried and tested who would be willing to play second fiddle to Sergio. It sounds crazy, as I do have a hunch he would struggle in his second season, but Vardy could be a decent option.
He has the pace we require and he's also in a rush to make some serious money in the latter stages of his career. Could be an Ian Wright for us, just like how he made the switch from Palace to Arsenal at an older age.
I know plenty have reservations about Stones (I don't) but Laporte for a similar price, and the balance and spend on the team remains the same.
I do think, however, it makes more sense for Stones in a kinda holistic/nice to have another Englishman in there.
Again, that average first-team starting eleven drops to about 23-24.