08 Jun 2026 12:30:01.
Priorities for me would start with a proper number 6, Fabinho type.
Salah replacement next. Diomande seems to be the preferred option, but at 19 he’s a risk for me.
Left hand side seems covered when you consider Rio, Wirtz & Gakpo.
Up top we need an extra body. I’d seriously consider Darwin on a free.
CB - probably need another 1 in there. Bit of experience needed.
RB - 1st choice spot still up for grabs for me.
08 Jun 2026 13:05:12
The winger issue we have is a bit like last summer's forward options. Europe seems to have a limited supply of talented wingers who are not already at top clubs that we can go for. Those smaller clubs who have the talent do not want to sell unless huge offers come in. For e.g., Diomande was signed for £15m, has had an incredible season and looks a huge talent.
We want him, but Leipzig say not for sale unless a crazy offer comes in of £100m. Same with Rayan at Bournemouth. Rejected us Togo there for £18m, but now others want him. Bournemouth say not for sale, but if someone offers £87m (his buyout), then he goes.
08 Jun 2026 14:19:46
Keegan, you make very good points there, man.
08 Jun 2026 14:26:18
Diomande is clearly the one we want to start with. It sounds like we should know either way before the WC.
After that we can choose from B.Toure, M.Fofana, Y.Minteh, C.Summerville, S.El Mala, Allan, A.Ezzalzouli, M.Godts, A.Nusa - I am sure there's plenty more out there.
I particularly like B.Toure as he's a left footed, left winger who is great at assisting the no9 - whether that be from the byline or deeper. Quite a unique profile these days.
08 Jun 2026 15:39:05
I don't see the LW as being covered; it doesn't suit Wirtz at all, he likes to drift to left-centre, but LW is not a good position for him, his talents are wasted when he's out that wide. Wirtz at LW is a hard no. Gakpo is not up to par in my book. He put up good numbers last season in terms of goals (mostly tap-ins), but his assist rate is poor, he doesn't get his head up enough, his end product is often poor, and so is his decision-making, and he lacks the turn of pace, ability to take on his man, tenacity and quick decision-making that I like to see in a winger.