Virgil van Dijk

[Gabriel]

One very positive thing about him is that he's comfortable playing either side, so like Otamendi he can play on the left or right. Stones and Kompany look far more uncomfortable when on the right, so having van Dijk would presumably allow greater rotation. He does remind me of Kompany, in a way, in that his reading of the game is so good that he positions himself well and is generally facing the ball when it is played forward. That often gives him an edge over the attacker and allows him to intercept. However, I've yet to see any evidence of blistering pace over a longer distance.

Irrespective of the expense, the management have decided Kompany is unreliable and Mangala is dispensable, so the fear of Stones breaking down again will surely force us to act.

 

[Blue Llama]

On last night's performances I would stick with Mangala over VVD.

 

[I'm no cynic but...]

On last night's performances I would stick with Mangala over VVD.

I don't have a great preference for one or the other but I wouldn't base your judgement on a performance Vs Swansea.

 

[Dax777]

Nope. City consider VVD incredibly overpriced once the bidding went past £45m.

Evans also remains on the radar.

Same goes for Can. Txiki likes him as a player but we were never at the table and no approach has been made, regardless of what the Italian media has stated.

Thank God! I know I was the party pooper all summer about the spending, but Christ! 70 mil for a Virgil. Jeez!

For 45
We should be able to get one of:
Kalidou Koulibally (best option)
Milan Skriniar (best young prospect)
Stefan Dr Vrij
Matthias Ginter

At least 1 if not all of them will cost less than 45 million.

#70millionstupid

 

[Silva_Spell]

On last night's performances I would stick with Mangala over VVD.

He had nothing to do. It was Swansea

 

[pudge]

I don't think the market will be anywhere near as silly as the summer's was, transfer fee wise.

However, given Van Dijk is a target of Liverpool too and they are ridiculously desperate for some kind of defender the bidding for him would escalate to those silly levels with that lot willing to pay a king's ransom I suspect.

Just to say as well, nope to Jonny Evans.

 

[Blue Llama]

He had nothing to do. It was Swansea

And he was playing and getting thumped by Leicester not a current top 6 team. Whilst Mangala looked OK when he came on against the rags!
Why pay silly money to get a player who is not an upgrade on what you have?

 

[KDBtojesus]

guess all depends on the price and what we are willing to go for. He would be a great signing.

 

[citytilllidie]

Pep needs a footballing centre half. Evans is probably cheaper, but I don't think he wanted to come to us anyway. He was quite happy when it fell through. VVD wants to go to Liverpool, so it'll be from elsewhere

 

[Silva_Spell]

And he was playing and getting thumped by Leicester not a current top 6 team. Whilst Mangala looked OK when he came on against the rags!
Why pay silly money to get a player who is not an upgrade on what you have?

VVD is quality. He doesn't want to be there.

Same as Sanchez