Transfer priorities

[tomd2103]

So assuming everybody like Mings, Rmasey and Buendia etc all come back at the level they're capable of, what do you think are the main requirements for this summer. In my opinion, it's something like:


1) Right back. I really like Cash, and think he gets a bit too much stick at times. But Emery doesn't appear completely sold on him, and the young lad we bought isn't going to be ready, so a good attacking right back is high on the list.


2) Left back. It seems like Digne might be moved on to free up his wages. Lucas has mostly been very good this season, and he would leave with my thanks. Moreno was very good last season, but injuries have meant he hasn't really done much this year, and he's 31 next month, so a top flight replacement please.


3) Defensive midfielder. Obviously Kamara is due back but it might not be until the second half of the season, and this season has shown it's a really key position, so I'd like a big money reinforcement. Worst case scenario, we've then got two really good defensive midfielders for the second half of the season.


The rest of midfield and attack I think we're largely good, and also in defence, although we might need a better back up than Carlosor Lenglet. If we do bring in another forward it needs to be someone mobile who can play anywhere across the front line.

Agree with this.  Can't see us being able to spend a lot this summer, so don't think there will be too many coming in.  RB and DCM are the two absolute priorities for me.  Other positions depend on players moving on I suppose (Carlos and Digne spring to mind). 

[Chris Smith]

We are an old team with average age of 27.5 so we need to shift that to 26/25.

I’m sure I’ve seen how they do this in old films, something about harvesting the blood of virgins.

[LeeB]

We are an old team with average age of 27.5 so we need to shift that to 26/25.

I’m sure I’ve seen how they do this in old films, something about harvesting the blood of virgins.

Or blood doping, like the great Milan and Juve teams.

[PaulWinch again]

Obviously it depends who’s leaving. But defensive midfield back-up is very obviously a gap and I think both full back areas need attention (I suspect Digne is leaving).

[Dave]

I don't really see why people are convinced that Digne will go.

It made sense last summer when he was a reserve for a mid-table side, so both for us to get his wages off the books and for him to go and play somewhere. But if he's first choice for a team in the Champions League (*counts chickens*) then he's just earning the sort of wages that those players earn.

He's not particularly old, he's made himself first choice in his position, he's important for how we play, he seems happy here, he's earning good money - why would we be selling him? Unless going back to France is a priority and he's happy to earn less money there, I reckon a year or two contract extension is more likely than him going.

[PaulWinch again]

I hope so, I think he’s been great this year.

[Footy-Vill]

It was pointed out the issue of lack of dominance at central back air duels are 19th in the league very low at winning these and that Carragjer said the need for a domineering centre back
That perhaps would be a priority for champions league level

[LeeB]

I don't really see why people are convinced that Digne will go.

It made sense last summer when he was a reserve for a mid-table side, so both for us to get his wages off the books and for him to go and play somewhere. But if he's first choice for a team in the Champions League (*counts chickens*) then he's just earning the sort of wages that those players earn.

He's not particularly old, he's made himself first choice in his position, he's important for how we play, he seems happy here, he's earning good money - why would we be selling him? Unless going back to France is a priority and he's happy to earn less money there, I reckon a year or two contract extension is more likely than him going.

Yeah it feels like making unnecessary work for ourselves in light of this season. His demeanor and performance do not suggest a player eager to leave either.

[manic-road]

Centre Back, Right Back and Defensive Midfielder I would prioritise. Lenglets loan finishes soon doesn't it and Diego Carlos I think hasn't been all that.

[Hookeysmith]

Why Digne was appointed (i assume he was) to mark the giant at the back stick for their 3rd is beyond my understanding of the game.

I would like to see a proper big horrible bastard in the middle of the park that can really stamp his authority on opposition midfield.
Obviously (as would anyone) like someone in the Rodri mould - maybe Decorere at Everton

I wonder if Neves is bored of the sun and counting his money in Saudi?

[pablo_picasso]

I agree Dave, and guess this is where Monchi comes to the fore.

The discussion about Smith-Rowe the other day was interesting, not making a case for him personally but there are players out there that might not be getting games somewhere because there are other players in front of them, or because the manager or system doesn't suit them, whatever really, but it doesn't make them poor players and they might be absolutely perfect for us.

Very true. It's why also someone like Berge isn't that silly an idea either.

And I think Rogers really makes this case, he's almost our version of that Jota example. Nearly everyone scoffed at the idea based on what he was doing at Middlesbrough. But he's already a better player in our side than he ever was in theirs.

Absolutely.

And I admit that I was one who had questions about the signing, but I am very happy for him to prove me wrong.

The Emery effect on players cannot be understated when looking at potential transfers.

Especially the younger ones with big potentials.

Maybe even Kosta Nedeljković might come in as a starter next year based on this...

Either way, it's wonderful to see the improvements of almost every player in the squad under Emerys tutelage.

[KevinGage]

Edited

[KevinGage]

Top quality DM/CM
Right back (genuine starting contender)
Back up keeper
Centre half
Attacking mid/LW

Not sure re names for all that lot.  But Fofana at Monaco might be a good option for midfield. The link with the Napoli RB and captain Di Lorenzo is interesting as well.

I seen links with Callum O'Hare knocking about a few weeks ago as well. At first glance you'd obv say we should be doing better. But home grown considerations and all that jazz. We'll need a few of those sort of signings to balance the more ambitious ones.

[CT Villan]

Now we have CL to offer,  I expect the incoming quality to be of a much higher level. Monchi, make it so.

[Risso]

Top quality DM/CM
Right back (genuine starting contender)
Back up keeper
Centre half
Attacking mid/LW

Not sure re names for all that lot.  But Fofana at Monaco might be a good option for midfield. The link with the Napoli RB and captain Di Lorenzo is interesting as well.

I seen links with Callum O'Hare knocking about a few weeks ago as well. At first glance you'd obv say we should be doing better. But home grown considerations and all that jazz. We'll need a few of those sort of signings to balance the more ambitious ones.

Can we get the more ambitious ones in first?!