My take on this is that we are really keen on a permanent signing in January, who just isn't available at a fair price in this window. My first thought is Upamecano, who has a Ā£40m release clause activating in the summer, but it could be someone like Kounate or Kabak. Either way, the guy we want for the long term isn't available at the moment so we're looking for a short term signing.
The problem seems to be that the players who are available aren't necessarily even going to improve us, and anyone who might be an improvement on Phillips and our midfielders playing CB isn't available at a fair price. I'm sure I'm not alone in thinking I'd rather play Phillips than bother with paying anything to Mustafi (Rhys unfortunately may be a player one day, but is out of his depth at the moment). Eder Militao will be difficult as Madrid have had a couple of CB injuries themselves. An Issa Diop deal would likely have to include a permanent signing clause, which we probably won't want if we've got a serious long term guy in mind for the summer. I've read Gleison Bremer has been linked again, don't know a lot about him or his availability this window, but unlikely to be loaned. Saw Nevan Subotic, who's out of contract, linked but his best days are well past him. Players like Aaron Long I have no idea about, and again carry an unknown quality in terms of actual ability.
In the end I think we'll end up with a free transfer or loan, but the player himself might not be that much better than what we have now, bare bones as it is. It might be Mustafi, or Long or someone of questionable quality who is just be conveniently available, but if that means that we're able to get the man we want in the summer, like Upamecano, I'm ok with it. At least then we have another body at CB so we can play Fab/Hendo in midfield more often.
Logged