KaKa

Oh my goodness. A delightful series of touches from Olmo!

Oh my God ...

I don't understand how he's their second best option at right back?! How?

This Spain defence isn't going to hold up.

The timing of that movement and the ball in made that damn near impossible to stop.

Of course ...

As England fans who are you guys hoping wins?

I fear Spain are going to waste chances like that and end up losing to this awful French team man.

Yeah, I guess £40 million on a backup is a bit mad. So is the money invested in Barnes as well really. The Barnes signings then only really makes sense if the intention was to use Gordon on the right. Maybe once Gordon got going on the left he decided to not mess with it, even once Barnes returned.

If he's open to not being an automatic starter, I think it would be a good move.

Yeah, when you actually look at their history, Barnes is the more experienced and productive player at Premier League level. Gordon was still quite young and was more of a raw prospect, and so I think he was going to be more of a backup initially, and feature all across the front line, as and when needed. Barnes injury meant he started on the left and had a huge year and has essentially cemented himself as a first teamer. Giving Gordon a new salary and tying up so much money in the same position would be awkward considering the need to better balance the finances going forward. Think something's got to give when it comes to that.

I'm not convinced he won't be just as good on the right. Otherwise, I think we might end up selling one of Gordon or Barnes.

Controversial take ... It's looking like Gordon is going to get a new contract once he returns now, as he essentially played himself into the first team last season. This will mean both Barnes and Gordon are now going to be on significant wages. Do we just start both Barnes and Gordon, and get two younger promising backups that won't be on big wages? Just as an example say Summerville to interchange with Barnes on the left and Asprilla to interchange with Gordon on the right, or whoever you prefer to envision in those spots. Rather than spend that sum and wages in one player like Bowen? Not sure we're at a stage where having Barnes come off the bench makes as much sense. He's productive enough to start and is on £80k a week.

Absolutely nothing!

If you pay less than £60 million with add ons minimum for Branthwaite, I'll be very surprised. You seem miles off still.

Can't remember how Lopetegui lines up, but there may be some overlap with Kudus and Bowen too perhaps? Both seem at their best playing on that right side.

Yeah, this is the thing really. With Isak and Bruno specifically, who are attracting a lot of interest, we have to push a bit harder this season, and really have to aim for a top 4 finish again. The easiest way to do this is to just sign a player already producing in the league in that right wing position. Unfortunately, the options are quite slim. Looking purely at production, it's Bowen, Olise, Mbeumo and Elanga that are possibilities, and Olise is already off the table. Bowen feels a bit forced too be honest, as I think we're looking at £60 million minimum, and more likely around £75 million. The wages will be significant too. Elanga had a good season just gone, but he's only just come through, and so could end up being quite inconsistent. Mbeumo seems like a good compromise, but then I have a feeling the fact he represents Cameroon may be an issue. There's no AFCON this year, but the next one is in 2025. Maybe they don't think the squad is in a place yet to manage that. Really think this signing is going to be a big call, and ideally should probably be someone experienced from abroad that we're confident will do the business, but who wouldn't blow the bank. Then perhaps we could even sign a couple in that position. Otherwise maybe the Championship is the way to go? Two of Summerville, Sara and Whittaker and see who claims that spot.

Hey, you're the one that started talking about personal lives being fulfilling for some strange reason. From my experience people who are fulfilled don't tend to go around telling folks how fulfilled they are. It would be nice if you actually had an opinion about some of these players I spoke about, instead of worrying about whether or not they're Nigerian, literally, every single time. Then the discussion might actually be interesting.

First of all, I talk about a bunch of players on here, not just Nigerian players. As soon as I mention a Nigerian player you're like a dog in heat. Just relax. And just so you know, your life is definitely not more fulfilling or enjoyable than mine. I can smell it all over you. You sir, are misery personified.

Another day another opportunity to bitch and moan about something. What a life you lead man. My God.

Chelsea are so repulsive.

He's quite unique. Not sure if he'll get you the number of goals you need, but he's silky smooth and is great on the ball. Especially for his height and size. Nwankwo Kanu is my all time favourite Nigerian player, and he's a version of that type of striker, a modern version if you will. Still holding out hope AC Milan get their act together and come in last minute.

Love this

Not necessarily about them being top players. They're both still young talented players that I wanted to see continue to evolve and do well. But obviously not at Chelsea or Man Utd.