Well this his my opinion on this summer transfers, it's going to be a quite long comment. BTW the fares are in € since I am a spanish Pool supporter (I'll try in future posts to put it on pounds
Sales: Jose Enrique - around 5/6 M€
Lucas - 15 M€ Probably my most controversial opinion, I just think he does not fit well in a more attacking position, nor he will be happy being just the backup for Steve
Aspas - 7 M€
Borini - I believe Sunderland has a fee for keeping him
Coates - 5M€
Agger - 12M€
Johnson - 5m€
Signings:
GK: we need a substitute for Mignolet that can challenge him, he's still young but need to progress (mostly when the ball is up in the air). Ochoa is not a bad option, also like Fabiansky. If you want to make a risky move I'll go for 18 year old Ruben Blanco, probably the best GK prospect I know (from Celta Vigo, if someone is highly interested in seeing him play he is supposed to play against Real this Sunday at 7pm Spain, 6 pm UK).
LB: Best option would be Luke Shaw, but I think he's too expensive, I would not like spending half of the budget on him (even though he's great), Rojo is also a very good player, but a bit unconsistent at times, and portuguese clubs always ask for too much money. I think our best bet would be Alberto Moreno from Sevilla (12 M€, if we are fast we can get him before Madrid). The last option could be Schmelzer (around 10M€), he does not thrive on the attacking role, but he's a solid defender that will fit us very well. Last option: Adriano from Barcelona: cheap, great player, but problems with injuries (just like Fabio Aurelio).
CB: Caulker: solid defender, good header, reported good communication skills, quick on lateral movement... Also seem the most reported figure (15m€), Lovren would be a nice, cheaper, second option. Also I like Iñigo Martinez from Real Sociedad, very, very good left-footed CB, a bit too expensive I think as he is being regarded by Barcelona.
RB: Flanno is the man, as a backup I would say Adriano again, he can play both sides naturally and I think Barcelona would sell him real cheap.
Midfield: our top priority in my opinion should be a man that can play at the defensive role if needed (Steve backup), and also play a more attacking role (so he get more mins). The one for this spot, in my opinion, would be Matuidi (PSG), I see PSG making silly moves, signing expensive players, and us benefiting from that once again (18-20 m€). Also like Lars Bender a lot (20m€). More offensive alternative: Highly reported Lallana (the one I like the most) or Rakitic from Sevilla/Parejo from Valencia (both with pricetags around 20m€). More deffensive alternative: Yann M'Vila (12m €)
Winger: I think we need a winger that occasionally can play as a second striker (just in case). Lacazette is the best fit (15-20 m€), Griezmann is also a good option around the same price... Lacazette is stronger, faster, Griezmann can pass the ball better. I also regarded Jay before his injury.
Striker: don't think we need one, but just in case, if the boss want alternatives off the bench I will go for a experienced, cheap guy. The likes of: Klose (Lazio), Gilardino (Genoa), Pellè (Feyenoord), Huntelaar (Schalke 04)...
Thanks a lot for reading!!
PS: sorry if I misspelled something.
« Last Edit: May 07, 2014 11:24:04 pm by TheDon »
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