Confirmed Transfers 2012/13 Thread (aka the mesh shirts gets Kensington excited thread)

But, we already have two RWBs for the 3-5-2: Caceres and Lichtsteiner. Basically, then he's been bought to compete for the RWF spot in a 4-3-3 (when we play it), third choice RWB/RB in a 3-5-2/4-3-3 or 4th/5th choice RCM in the 4-3-3/3-5-2.

I don't doubt his utility will come in handy and we will likely make use of him. But, I feel like someone who could play the left side (ahem, Kolarov) would have filled a bigger need.

 

I am not underating him, I am just thinking that he can play RB/RWB/RM (set), CM (set) and RF (could use competition here for Pepe). He is a great player but he plays three roles - all of which we are really set at (with RF being the only exception). A player who could play anywhere along the left flank would've been more useful to us and a smarter purchase. That is my point.

 

Hahha you're right. But, we just spent 7.5M on him (this summer) for a player who is good but will techincally a utility player. Would've preferred to get the bigger needs out of the way first. But, let's see what Beppe Marotta can conjure.

 

​

VUCINIC - NEW ST​

(Quagliarella) - (Matri)​

(5th ST) - (Pepe)​

(Giaccherini) - (Giaccherini)​

​

MARCHISIO - PIRLO - VIDAL​

NEW LWB ------------------------------------------------------- LICHTSTEINER​

(Asamoah) - (Marrone) - (Asamoah)​

(Pogba) - (Pogba) - (Isla)​

(De Ceglie) ----------------------------------------------------------------- (Isla)​

(Giaccherini) ----------------------------------------------------------------- (Pepe)​

​

CHIELLINI - BONUCCI - BARZAGLI​

(Caceres) - (Caceres) - (Caceres)​

(5th CB) - (5th CB) - (5th CB)​

​

BUFFON​

(Storari)​

(Leali/Branescu)​

​

2012-2013 Squad:​

Goalkeepers (3): Buffon, Storari, Leali/Branescu
Defenders (8): New LB/LWB, De Ceglie, Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli, Caceres, 5th Choice CB, Lichtsteiner
Midfielders (9): Marchisio, Vidal, Pirlo, Asamoah, Marrone, Pogba, Isla, Giaccherini, Pepe
Forwards (5): New ST, Matri, Quagliarella, Vucinic, 5th Choice ST

Summer 2012 Transfers:

Sell/Release: Del Piero, Borriello, Krasic, Elia, Padoin, Estigarribia, Grosso, Manninger​

- Del Piero will move on, as will Grosso and Manninger. ​

- Looks likely that Krasic and Elia will be sold. ​

- I would not take up Estigarribia's option and I would sell Padoin now that we have so many central midfield options. ​

​

Buy: (1) Pogba; (2) New Starting ST; (3) 5th Choice ST (youngster/veteran for depth); (4) New Starting LB/LWB (*Fill 5th Choice CB with a youngster such as Prince Guano).​

- Our GK troops loose Manninger as the 3rd choice but Leali, a young prospect, has joined. If he is loaned out, let the youngster Branescu keep the 3rd choice GK spot.
- With Isla's signing, we have both Lichtsteiner and Isla for the RB/RWB spot. Caceres, I would think, then moves back to being first choice CB off the bench. We will need another CB but the 5th choice can be filled by a youngster, such as Prince Guano. A more important need is the LB/LWB spot (perhaps someone like Kolarov?)
- With the signings of Asamoah and Isla, we have solidified the midfield with more than sufficient depth in the centre and on the right. This could be furthered with the signings of Pogba and Verratti (though if we get the latter, I would keep him in Pescara on loan for an additional season).
- We take a hit in our striker department as Del Piero leaves and we all don't want and hope Borriello isn't signed. That leaves only Vucinic, Quagliarella and Matri as our true strikers. Two need to be signed. Hopefully, one is someone like Cavani, Higuain, etc., the other? Destro, Immobile, etc.

After signing Leali, Asamoah, and Isla, I'd hope to round that out with Pogba (free), Cavani, Kolarov and Immobile. Dream mercato.

 

That's the danger with Pogba as he left ManU because he wants playing time assurances. But, with Marchisio, Vidal, and Pirlo the preferred starters and with Asamoah signed at 15M, Asamoah will likely be the first choice off he bench for Marchisio or Vidal. So, Pogba will have to compete with Marrone (assuming he's not loaned out) to be the fifth choice CM (though who knows, Isla can play in the center as well).

Padoin may not be sold but he really should. I see no reason to keep him when we already have Marchisio, Vidal, Pirlo, Asamoah, Marrone, Isla and possibly Pogba as well. When will he ever be needed?

 

So, basically, he would only play in the off chance that four or five of our central midfielders are injured at the same time. Not worth paying his wages (even though they are likely low) for him to play in just these rare circumstances. Sell him.

 

Buying Matri was a little different. For the striker position (which we usually play 2) we had 6 players. If a few go down, other plays cannot play in that position. For the central midfield, we usually play 3: we have Marchisio, Vidal, Pirlo, Asamoah, and Marrone. Plus, Pogba likely to be coming and Isla can play CM. On top of all this, Conte used Giaccherini as a CM frequently as well, oftentimes starting him over Padoin. So, Padoin would be our 8th choice CM. In the off chance that he did have play, which would be extremely rare, I'd rather give the shot to a youngster like Bouy or Appelt.