jackflap

But Tonali is a perfect fit and a big upgrade. Couple of pre season friendlies will show that

Burn had been outstanding for us, hard to break up a settled CB partnership etc, plus I don't think we were as certain that Botman would be as much of a sure thing upgrade as we are with Tonali. Isak got thrown straight in because of Wilson's injury in fairness and I don't he would've been otherwise, but Wilson guarantees points with his goals so you're not going to sacrifice that as willingly to get a potentially better player into the side. The argument with Tonali and Longstaff is different IMO.

And we play City, Liverpool, Brighton after Villa. If we don't start him against Villa at home they'd be tough games to throw him straight into.

Nah, Tonali will go straight in IMO, we're probably going to sign 3 first teamers this window, unlikely we'll drip feed all of them in.

Makes sense. Always best to give yourself a cooling off period after a new signing, keeps you from getting giddy, going on a binge and developing Boehlycoholism. We're smart bastards

I'm sure we're planning a couple of summer windows ahead with 2/3 elite signings in each. RCB and RB will be the plan for next summer I reckon. Think it'll be a loan or young cheaper CB option this summer.

Yeah was reading that also. Makes sense really, if there was one area that was ripe for improvement last season it was capitalising on getting into good positions around the box. Longstaff being particularly guilty. Tonali should be a big upgrade in quality while also helping us maintain a physical edge in midfield.

Feyenoord are an exceptionally well run club nowadays, highly rated manager in Slot too. The Athletic did a piece on them a few weeks ago and they're used to taking in young players from around the globe and putting in a lot of effort to help them settle. Minteh may not feature a whole lot early on but it should be a positive move, they're top scorer from last season was a young Mexican player who they signed last summer and he barely played initially as they noticed a deficiency in his running style that they wanted to address.

He looks decent, plays at a 100mph similar to Miggy and lots of physicality on the ball. Traces of decent vision and technique with some of his passing, definitely plenty to work with though very one sided. The comparison that jumped out at me was Pepe.... from his Lille days thankfully.

Definitely rather United than Liverpool in the CL, Liverpool are entering into a transition phase, Salah and Van Dijk ageing and midfield needing overhaul, no CL could really set them back, same for Spurs. Could be competing for midfield signings with them too.

If we haven't top 4 sewn up by then I'd be looking at an away game at Chelsea on more hope than optimism, saying pressure is a privilege is one thing.... If we go to Chelsea on the last day needing a win and do it then Howe will be the manager of the season IMO. Cup final/stave off relegation atmosphere needed on Thursday.

Ki, Colback

Not sure how realistic but Wirtz would be the ideal target to go all out for IMO. Just got round the seeing clips of him and looks like he could be the outstanding technical player of his generation. Given Leverkusen won't be making CL he may be available. Usually Munich would be the likely destination but they've Musiala who's very similar. If we get CL we'd be a step up for him and he's still young enough that he could do 4/5 yrs and then have the option of moving to an elite club if we're not there by then.

I wouldn't agree with selling Maxi for less than 30m, probably looking at a 25+5 add ons given his perennial fitness issues. Wouldn't pay more than 40 for Barnes. And not replying to your post specifically but it's worth noting that Leicester have scored the same amount of goals as Man Utd, if they go down it won't be because of their attacking players

Sell Maxi and proceeds plus 10m for Barnes is a no brainer for me

Think Mount will go to Liverpool but for 40-50m, there'll be no bidding war, Mount will have his preferred destination and the two clubs will agree a fee acceptable to both. Similar to how they got Thiago. No doubt Liverpool have done a good bit of work behind the scenes.

Could see Ward Prowse been a player that Howe would be really keen on but not available until the summer and so we might see us waiting out until then before we make any major additions in that area. Ticks all the boxes, consistent performer, potential to go to another level in a better side, durable, great work rate, prem experience and obviously excellent attitude. With Southampton a fair shout to go down he should be available at a reasonable fee. Could see him slotting in for Longstaff and us having a really tasty yet combative midfield. My shout would be him and Diaby in the summer. Longstaff moves to squad player role who'll get plenty of minutes and never cause any hassle. Almiron will become our version of Bernardo Silva. Will cover either flank and has the work rate to slot into midfield if needs be. Think those two would really transform the top half of the field for us. Not a fan of Neves. Too slow in and out of possession. The type of player who needs to be scoring at least 5 worldies a season to justify which he doesn't do. Called us a long ball team after we dominated most of the game against them with an injury ridden side too!