ponsaelius

When I was reading about Ekitike I had seen something about that kid actually being better

Adam P is actually superb now I reckon. He's leaned into it completely and it's paying off

We look a professional outfit. Obviously miles off in terms of fitness but love how clear the style of play is and that everybody knows what they're doing. Love seeing the likes of Longstaff and even Dummett just slot in and get in with their game.

Botman looked lean as a cat, like

Yes Sean, lovely

whole team about to be subbed

Be disappointed if Anderson doesn't make it with us. Can see his quality and awareness. Not quite clicking today like.

Willock crocked

The commentator has clearly done loads of research on each player but has no idea what they look like

Be interesting to see 1860 here. Obviously only 3rd tier but their season starts in a week so the fitness levels will probably be miles ahead.

Actual commentary?!?

Spotted Sifu there

Yonyo Shelvai

The only context I would take Zapata would be a loan deal with a moderate fee if it allowed us to then invest in other positions. But I don't think Atalanta would entertain that. They're at the point now where they want to either sell before his value depreciates or just keep him until the end of his career.

Yes and I've probably watched most of those games he's played. He's a good player but his pace and power is a huge attribute in Serie A as it was with Lukaku. There are already signs it is starting to wane and hence why there has been a lot of rumours of Atalanta selling and replacing with a younger forward. He would be a poor move unless it was a very cheap deal much lower than the previously mentioned prices.

If resale value didn't matter Man City wouldn't be selling players when they're keen to move on before their value goes. Every club has to operate within FFP now and buy and sell efficiently and intelligently. Liverpool have been remarkable at this in recent years. We have no cheat code like Man City did when they were able to leapfrog straight into the CL in two seasons. Unless we think we can make the CL in the next two seasons with our signings then it is far too risky to weight the age of the squad so highly. The sensible model is something much closer to what Leipzig have done in recent years.

Zapata is a good player but his game is all power and pace and he's already started getting injuries. Shouldn't be anywhere near the profile of players we are aiming for and i'd start worrying about the logic of our transfer policy if we signed him.

Resale value didn't matter for Man City because there was no FFP and players cost 1/4 the price they do now in 2009. Getting value for money with signings and investing in younger players who will appreciate in value is absolutely vital now to avoid Everton type situations.

Unfortunately it came just after a clip of Dubravka bringing down the ball with a ludicrous piece of control

Happy for anybody to confirm otherwise like in case I'm wrong, but pretty sure that's the case.

Still feel there's a lot to be said for getting a winger who can also play through the middle. I know Madueke has played CF for PSV but admittedly might be a lot to ask in the PL at his age.

The 2:30 KO is Austrian time btw. It's 1:30 in the UK.

In terms of big names though I genuinely reckon we'd probably have more chance of getting Paqueta than Diaby or Isak. I just don't think the latter clubs are going to relent on fee - whereas I could see Lyon coming down to something around Bruno's fee + add ons.

Not getting Diaby would be a little bit of a let down after all the rumours but I think the likes of Harrison or Madueke would be pretty solid backup options. Harrison would go straight in and be productive. Madueke a bit more of a gamble but he's really young and very talented.

I may live to regret this but I'm convinced Scamacca will flop wherever he goes. I'd be absolutely terrified of us spending big money on him.