07 Apr 2025 09:12:25
Ed001,
Just for interests sake,
What business would you do in the summer?
What positions do you think we need to strengthen and with who?
{Ed001's Note - until the 3 contracts are settled, it is impossible to really say. We will need to replace Salah and VvD anyway, but it would change the priority if they stay. We need a centre forward like Isak or possibly Sesko. Cunha as well to take the 10 role and provide cover in other attacking positions. Adding Cunha lessens the priority of a playmaker in midfield, as Dom would drop in there, but we still need more power and pace as we get bullied every game almost. Baleba or Ederson I would choose, though Slot seems to want neither as he does not seem to be learning. We need to replace both left backs, so Hato for me with Beck and Chambers providing cover.}
07 Apr 2025 09:59:09
Pace and power the key words there Ed.
07 Apr 2025 10:06:40
Ed’s do you think we will be in to attempt to sign Wirtz when he becomes available? Less than two years on his contract now and surely we need to be in the equation if he’s intending on leaving Leverkusen, possibly this summer too.
{Ed001's Note - should try at least, but the noises coming out are that he is keen to stay in Germany, ie Bayern Munich.}
07 Apr 2025 10:10:03
Agree completely Ed.
Interesting what you said about Slot. What have you heard about his opinions for summer, or what he's looking for?
{Ed001's Note - he still has designs on a playmaker in midfield. This is where the recruitment team have to earn their corn by convincing him otherwise like they managed a couple of times with Klopp.}
07 Apr 2025 10:31:24
If we are losing Trent then we will need a deep lying playmaker. It doesn't have to be a midfielder. Could be a fullback or a CB. Regardless, we will need one.
I love Ibou but the way he is playing, both defensively and on the ball, is a massive concern if Slot intends to start attacks from the back.
07 Apr 2025 10:33:10
Gravenberchs form has suffered massively at the moment. A powerful midfielder in there next to him would help massively I feel. It's so frustrating watch these teams bully and overpower us.
{Ed025's Note - i think you have a replacement in Endo Liver, maybe not as good but certainly an able deputy imo mate..
07 Apr 2025 10:42:09
Nice picks Ed.
{Ed001's Note - thanks Davey. I am sure there are some cheaper, just as good options out there too, but that is for the recruitment team to find with their much bigger team and resources level.}
07 Apr 2025 10:50:13
Great info Ed, much appreciated!
Hopefully they can do it again!
{Ed001's Note - fingers crossed as it is clear as day that we are missing power and pace in midfield.}
07 Apr 2025 11:20:33
The amount of work we might have to do in the market is terrifying.
{Ed025's Note - depending on contracts and outgoings FPF it could be a major rebuild mate...but we shall see..
07 Apr 2025 11:54:17
What do you think will happen to the likes of Endo, Elliot and Quansah Ed? Endo is the answer to having someone to battle in midfield area, but Slot keep insisting on bring him on only when we were leading. Elliot have been good when playing at no 10 role and should have start more games. But somehow Slot doesn't seem to fancy him at all. As for Quansah, I don't know if Slot likes him or not. Starting Jones at RB over him seems to indicate he is another one Slot doesn't trust.
{Ed001's Note - I expect Endo and Quansah to leave, but I think Elliott will try and dig his feet in and stay if possible. Quansah is not good enough anyway, I don't see him going as a loss.}
07 Apr 2025 12:33:46
Indeed, @Pelican esp. if VVD and Salah leave which I don't expect. If they stay then, the load gets lightened in terms of the revamp. Hopefully, that is the case and we can go from there.
07 Apr 2025 13:27:18
I saw in one article Quansah being mooted as being valued at £50 million. I thought that was absurd.
07 Apr 2025 15:43:27
I think we had plenty in midfield up until the last couple of months, they were playing some super stuff. Its more options on a similar level we need, not wanting the bloke whos come in and won the Prem at his first attempt to change his whole philosophy. Take Grav for example he's knackered, at the start of the year he was tbe best midfielder in the league.
07 Apr 2025 16:01:23
Ed001 what do you reckon to Frimpong as one to add to your list? 'Relatively' cheap if rumours are to be believed, HG and could provide rotation options both for Bradley and Salah given his pace.
{Ed001's Note - I am not convinced by him. He is not good enough defensively to play at full-back most games and is not good enough getting forward to play as a forward. He is perfectly suited to a wing-back role, but we don't play with them.}