Yep, this is, I suspect, the main reason it's a recurring link because on paper he's a very similar player, not quite as good a shot stopper yet but he'll get there I think. I'd be happy with Trafford but I'd really prefer him to have a year as understudy/competing with Emi rather than having to go full sink or swim. I doubt Trafford particularly wants that year though given he seems keen to be number 1 somewhere.
He's not going to swap getting splinters at City for getting splinters for us.
Honestly, I think it's the right time for Emi to move on. He leaves on the high of winning silverware and us qualifying for CL. He's 34 in September. I don't think he's as focussed when it's not a World Cup year. He makes some great saves but also pushes the ball back into the 6 yard box too often. He pulls out of too many games in the warm-ups. I'd like us now to find someone who can be our no.1 for the next 10 years.
Well yes, that's what I said.
I disagree on it being the right time to move Emi on though, yes he's nearly 34 but all that really means is that there's very little chance we'd get a fee that covers a replacement worth having. The only real argument is one around wages but for me the possible £2-3m a year we might save (and would get absorbed by a new contract within 18months for any keeper who comes close to the level of Emi) just isn't worth it given how important it is to get the right player for how we play.
