Little better but not quite there - 2020 Summer Transfer Thread

Given the rarity of player swaps in the past I'd bet a 3 team swap has never happened. Don't see why it couldn't though. And assuming the rumored interest is valid I'd think my proposed deal would actually make a ton of sense for all involved.

 

While I think it is unlikely, I wouldn't say it would NOT happen. Especially in a window where teams will be motivated to do swaps in order to get the player they want and unload those they do not need.

Lucas wants to leave. So far Milan is the only "confirmed" team interested. Milan is typically a bit cheap. This window I expect them to be worse. I see no way we get full cash value from them unless they unload 2-3 other players for cash first. If we like a Milan player that they are willing to part with, great. Get the deal done. Otherwise something like I proposed is feasible. It is definitely not typical but in an environment where teams are going to be significantly more likely to do swap deals, why wouldn't a 3 team swap happen if it is ultimately a good fit for all involved?

If I recall correctly, there were several on this forum dismissing my suggestion that we could/would do a player swap to unload Alexis. How did that work out?

 

Seeing some reports that we are close to finalizing a deal for 19yo Feyenoord AM Orkun Kokcu

 

Seeing a good bit of chatter about a possible Miki + cash (12-15m euro) for Kluivert

 

I think the link to wide players is because of the likely departure of PEA. Even if we assume that Saka will be the LW starter (and yes I want to see him get his shot) we will still need wing depth to replace PEA whether that comes from a purchase/swap or internal (ESR?).

Agree with you that our focus needs to be on CM/DM types. Partey would be ideal but won't happen unless A) we trade Laca for him or B) we get more cash than expected for PEA/Laca/Torreira.

The budget DMs that I have seen mentioned lately but haven't posted because I was waiting to see if there would be more solid or consistent sources/rumors...

Marc Roca (Espanyol) - 23yo and one of the few bright spots in a relegation squad. Thought to be available cheap since his club looks like they will be relegated. What film I have seen looks like a more defensive and athletic version of Xhaka.

Ibrahima Diallo (Stade Brestois) - 21yo brother of PSG CB Abdou Diallo. Transfermarkt has him at 10-12m. I've seen reports that he would cost 20m. From what I have seen he looks like a pure #6 and has drawn comparisons to N'Golo Kante.

Ibrahim Sangare (Toulouse) - 21yo also being compared to N'Golo Kante. I don't think his film looks much like Kante. I see a #6 with some flashes of footwork and passing. Currently 6'3" and I'm wondering if he hit a late growth spurt because he looks a bit lumbering or awkward at times in his movement. His Transfermarkt value is a bit higher than Diallo but is said to be available cheaper due to an expiring contract and his squad being relegated.

Based purely on film, I don't see Diallo or Sangare stepping into the starting lineup immediately but I could see them developing into a strong MF pair with Duezy. Roca, while not as good as Partey, could step in and win a starting spot right away. Potential issue there is that I'm not sure he would be a good fit playing with Xhaka. While he looks like a good passer himself, I think he would be much better next to a #8 type that would get the ball up the field or as the #6 in a Pep 4-3-3.

The potential wild card is the rumored loan to buy for Adrien Rabiot. While his attitude could be a distraction, he has the potential to be a very good MF and can play in both the #6 and #8 role.

 

I'm not forgetting about Martinelli but every time I brought him up as a wing option in the past everyone quickly reminds me that his future is likely at ST so I have been considering he and Nketiah as 2a/b on the ST depth chart behind whatever vet we run with. Either way you still need depth. Don't think it is good idea to run with just 4 W (Pepe, Saka, Martinelli & Nelson) on the roster if one is a possible backup ST and another a possible backup LB.

I had not heard Sangare rumors until this morning. Don't recall the source.
Marc Roca links are generally old but I did see a couple re-links this morning. Likely just rehashing old links but who knows.

The buy price I had heard (anywhere from 15-25m) wasn't bad considering the quality of player. If you can get him on a loan to buy it may be worth the risk to see if you can get him to work out. Worst case you send him back to Juventus if he becomes too disruptive.

Agreed. Would like to see a quality CB but I honestly think we could live with what we have if we improve the central MF enough.

Assuming we ran with Martinelli/Nketiah as the backup ST, I'd really like to have a vet around. If both Laca & PEA are sold, there should be a few reasonably priced guys that could serve in that role.

 

Any details? Cash or swap?

 

Cavani is a FA