Virgil van Dijk

[Dribble]

Zinchenko and Danilo as backups for Delph with Mendy returning in April.

January is not a window where you buy 3 or 4 players, it never happens.

Don’t think anyone is happy sitting on the bench but Bernardo is learning the league and slowly improving, Gundogan just getting back to full fitness, Yaya is finished, Bravo is not better than Ederson and hasn’t really deserved to start over him. Mangala is off in the summer, Danilo also hasn’t really proved himself.

In short; below our 1-15, the drop in quality is too severe which is why we need reinforcements where we can now.

For me that is Sanchez & VVD if possible, & a quality LB. As it stands we've got away with squashing square pegs in round holes & using players below the required top level so far.

I'd rather us take the opportunity in January to limit our liabilities as best we can, but as near to a long term view as possible.

I'd even go as far as to say, if this means Evans in addition to VVD, which means we have little or no reliance on Kompany, then so be it. Starting next season with Stones, Otamendi, VVD, JFE & a new dedicated LB would suit me fine.

 

[Father Paul]

Zinchenko and Danilo as backups for Delph with Mendy returning in April.

January is not a window where you buy 3 or 4 players, it never happens.

Don’t think anyone is happy sitting on the bench but Bernardo is learning the league and slowly improving, Gundogan just getting back to full fitness, Yaya is finished, Bravo is not better than Ederson and hasn’t really deserved to start over him. Mangala is off in the summer, Danilo also hasn’t really proved himself.

I would agree with most of that although I think Danilo has done exactly what he was brought in for i.e. perform as a utility defensive player. I believe he has played RB, LB, DM and CB at this stage. I think he is a half decent RB and given his versatility is well worth the fee which I think was south of 30 million?

 

[wisem4n]

They ask for £70m, It's £70 m, for a defender? No please, rather go for james tarkowski around £20m (burnley dedefender)

 

[Easy]

In short; below our 1-15, the drop in quality is too severe which is why we need reinforcements where we can now.

For me that is Sanchez & VVD if possible, & a quality LB. As it stands we've got away with squashing square pegs in round holes & using players below the required top level so far.

I'd rather us take the opportunity in January to limit our liabilities as best we can, but as near to a long term view as possible.

I'd even go as far as to say, if this means Evans in addition to VVD, which means we have little or no reliance on Kompany, then so be it. Starting next season with Stones, Otamendi, VVD, JFE & a new dedicated LB would suit me fine.

JFE is as short term as you can get, 30 y.o in a couple of weeks and an average player that would cost £25-30m, terrible signing.

Can’t see us getting Sanchez this window, most likely in the summer.

Ideally we get VVD in January then in the summary we get Sanchez, a DM, a young CB and if Delph can’t stay for we buy a LB. Sell Mangala, let Yaya go etc

 

[Easy]

I would agree with most of that although I think Danilo has done exactly what he was brought in for i.e. perform as a utility defensive player. I believe he has played RB, LB, DM and CB at this stage. I think he is a half decent RB and given his versatility is well worth the fee which I think was south of 30 million?

Mostly RB and LB, maybe twice at CB and once or twice at DM and not even full matches. If Pep trusted him at DM, think he would rest a fern more often.

Decent player, I believe he cost 26m ? Personally would move him on in the summer and bring back Maffeo.

 

[waspish]

They ask for £70m, It's £70 m, for a defender? No please, rather go for james tarkowski around £20m (burnley dedefender)

That player from Burnley is utter shite

 

[richards30]

That player from Burnley is utter shite

agreed! pep would bring VVD up at least two levels on what he is now! vinny will be a utility player until his contract ends, mangala will be sold or loaned in january if we get VVD in and nico is 30 so the club are planning long term for this signing.

 

[Dribble]

JFE is as short term as you can get, 30 y.o in a couple of weeks and an average player that would cost £25-30m, terrible signing.

Can’t see us getting Sanchez this window, most likely in the summer.

Ideally we get VVD in January then in the summary we get Sanchez, a DM, a young CB and if Delph can’t stay for we buy a LB. Sell Mangala, let Yaya go etc

As explained earlier, I'm still waiting for someone to offer up a £20m-£25m alternative who is attainable? Don't you think Pep & Txiki haven't contemplated this?

In terms of the rest you've mentioned, you're along the right lines imo, however we actually need reinforcements now. I'd happily settle for Sanchez (because the opportunity has presented itself & we need cover for Sane, Sterling, Bernardo, KDB, Gundogan & Silva), VVD & either a LB or a CDM.

We all mostly agree we need that cover now, but as to whether it is possible/practical, that's another story.

 

[bluemoon32]

£70m is a hell of a lot to pay for a player that will only play if Stones or Otamendi are injured or need a rest .
I really don't see him as a £70m player but maybe i'm missing something.

 

[Lancet Fluke]

£70m is a hell of a lot to pay for a player that will only play if Stones or Otamendi are injured or need a rest .
I really don't see him as a £70m player but maybe i'm missing something.

He would be first choice ahead of Otamendi at the start of next season if not before I reckon. But we are going to have shit loads of matches in the second half of the season, having three "first choice" CBs would not be a problem in the slightest.