10 Apr 2026 14:01:48.
So realistically we need four signings like a must next season - RW LW RB and LB. We need these because players are leaving/have left this season (Salah Taa Robbo Lucho)
Then we also need to replace VVD Alisson and Macca (as they probably will leave next season or next to next season)
Then we have players on fringes like Endo and Chiesa that need replacing either from academy or otherwise
So 10 players realistically need replacing.
10 Apr 2026 15:45:05
You are correct in my opinion, Cafu.
10 Apr 2026 17:58:02
We had these same conversations before the 24/25 season. And only added Chiesa. And only won the league.
10 Apr 2026 19:26:54
Sure, we'll only add one again so Delvecs, and see if we win it again. I bet we don't.
10 Apr 2026 21:05:49
Things obviously seem dire now, but I'm not sure our squad is in that bad of shape. I fully believe that Slot has just misused them so much, even the fans can't figure out how they could be best used. This is also why I hate letting Salah (and even Robertson a little bit) after this season, because I think the poor performance from all players is down to Slot not having a clue.
One example is the wing where we have both Chiesa and Rio playing all season, but Slot persisted with a 433, using low work rate Gakpo and Salah instead. Salah could easily have been used in a 4212 next to Ekitike, which would play to both their strengths, but he never did.
I agree that if our team is a 433 then Ekitike and Isak can not both play in it, and I still don't rate Isak for any formation in our team because he just doesn't have the work rate that should define our team.
Ekitike works hard, but obviously doesn't offer much defensively and needs to work on his fitness because he's gassed after 60-70min. He could easily be used in a modified 433 if we used actual wingers, with Wirtz behind him and a double DM pivot (which we'd need at least one DM to play long Grav).
I think this squad have a lot of options (which is why it's unforgivable that Slot has been so clueless with it). I'm not saying we don't need players either, but depending on the formation we want to use, we don't need that many. It's just that before we sign players, we need someone competent who actually has an idea of how to match our players strengths to formations/tactics.
11 Apr 2026 07:58:15
Good post, Snuggle. Only thing I'd disagree with, mate, is Ekitike works hard. For me, he seems like a player who comes alive in possession, but isn't really bothered when out of it.