Increased Costa Living - The Transfer Thread

That's how I feel. He had a great year, then a crap year, then a good year. Bakayoko seems like a clear upgrade.

 

It's also to probably keep Fabregas in the squad, but it's hard to overlook what Matic has won:

Portugal League
Portugal Cup
Premier League (2)
FA Cup
League Cup

Winning mentalities help clubs. That said, if it's 35m, that's good for a player at his age/career arc.

 

Maybe I'm being harsh.. he did a job for us as Brock pointed out. But our midfield never seemed to flow with him in the team. Bakayoko seems a bit more dynamic though I think we'd all prefer a true box to box mid.

 

I don't like the idea of selling him to united unless it comes with darmian coming back our way

 

Matic for Darmian and Marital. I'd even be willing to throw in a bit of cash

 

Hahahah I doubt they add marital in but I could see Matic for Darmian and cash happening.

 

Yes we all have concerns about our midfield, wingback upgrades, etc. One of my possible concerns is the move towards a possible 4-2-4. Bob had a lot of cover when we played a 3-4-3 and we have seen he has problems playing in a back four. He started off fantastically well but we saw moments of the old Bob trickle in more as the season progressed. He is 30 and I am especially concerned if he partnered with Cahill in that back four. I think the reason we have not season any kind of link to a rb is that Conte means to move Dave to his natural position but I guess we will all see. Of course this means nothing at all if Conte keeps with a 3-4-3

 

I think we stay in a base 3-4-3 for most of the season but I could see him making changes for a few games here and there to test his preferred 4-2-4

 

Wasn't his preferred formation a 352?

 

His first stops he ran a 4-2-4. He couldn't run it at Juve tho because Pirlo would work in the system. Same reason he could run it with Italy when Pirlo played. He tried implementing it with us in preseason but we didn't have a second striker and Hazard wasn't going to do that much two way play as required.

 

Given that Mourinho threw Matic under the bus in 15-16; it is more likelier United buys Fabinho who is also a signing I would prefer by a lot.

 

English media is clueless. Matic was humiliated by Mourinho, yet they think everyone wants to play for the guy.

 

If Sandro happens, that would be quite the buy.

Im sorta done with the fees. It's all amortised. As long as we bring in the quality Conte wants.

Feel bad for Alonso if it happens. Was amazing for us last season but Sandro is a few levels above. Will need the depth.

 

Alonso can play in the Cahill position too. Sandro is just too good not to pass up.

 

We need to RWB too. Man I can't wait for July 1st when the Nike deal kicks in and we finally announce our signings.

 

Eh I wouldn't play him there. We have enough CBs anyway.

 

Ake to Bournemouth for 20m? That's a ton of cash. I think he's a really good player and Bournemouth have shown that they value him.

 

I'm not a fan of it. I think Ake has a lot of value. Think he'd be one hell of a CB for us.

 

We shouldn't be selling him. He's gonna be a very good player. Let Cahill go. Then keep Ake, Christensen, Luiz and Azpi as the CB's and just rotate them.

 

I agree, but Conte seems hellbent on bringing in some defenders of his own choosing.

 

As great as Gary has been for us, I am surprised he is such a mainstay.. really thought Ake would usurp him.

 

Also, don't worry guys, we're buying Ake back in 5 years for 75m.

 

Ake to Bournemouth for 20M with a buyback clause? OK. Again - so long as we get a buyback clause.

 

They won't give you 20m and a buyout clause.

 

Agreed, but I'll happily settle for less.