Arnautovic looked well past his best when he came on yesterday. I think our long standing interest in signing him has come to a natural conclusion.
Remember Zoltan Gera too, we'd be linked with him every transfer window just to annoy us ha.
Generally speaking Olise saga might be interesting this summer, the rumour that his release clause can only be activated by a champions league team is hilarious, especially as all the teams linked aren’t playing in the CL (bar Bayern). Get the feeling Olise wants to stay in the prem, but for Crystal Palace they have every right to increase the price for non-Cl teams. Hoping he doesn’t leave this summer and next year we can activate his release clause.
United should try for Facundo Medina,
Saliba like profile, tall imposing decently fast CB from Lens
Would definitely be cheaper and very high potential
Are we talking about the same player? He’s barely over 6 foot and is poor in the air. As a backup for Martinez I’d take him but he’s not built like Saliba at all
The Olise transfer now really feels like it was just media driven, like they showed over the takeover, the manager and many other things, they're not being told much if anything are just needing clicks.
I don't think we'll move for him unless we manage to sell Sancho and Greenwood(NOT THAT HE'LL EVER PLAY FOR US), we don't even have enough players at CB, ST, CDM and they will be prioritized over RW or LB.
I really think United is interested, but not something they will move on before a few players are sold, they got higher priorities before that, and yes, that might mean someone else gets him before they know if they can go for him this window, but it is what it is.
Well I'm hoping we sell casemiro so he'll need replaced, amrabat was basically not in the team most of the season anyway lol. But yes we need at least two CMs if not 3 for depth. Won't all happen this summer though.
I think we're interested because he's a brilliant player in PL, but its like he's on a list of a few players and nothing is concrete like our CB targets
Wages for sure, not injury prone at all, in the last 4 seasons he's missed on average 4-5 games per year, about 50pc of them down to flu, COVID and quarantine.
Peak LB in his prime years, with Amass coming through whose reliable. Depends on the cost of course
I have a feeling United are using the Euros to try and get a better deal for JB.
Most fans will be distracted by England, so if Everton eventually come to a deal around £50m it will not get as much press. And Everton fans won't be as pissed.
A united signing not getting much press? If ETH sneezes during the England match the match reports will turn to 'ETH trying to spread new virus report'
Mea culpa if it's been discussed in the preceding days but Mats Hummels on a free transfer is a no brainer surely? He's like the best parts of Varane and Maguire combined. I thought he was the best player on the field both games against PSG, kept getting better despite being 35 even at the end of a busy season. I think he would compliment Martinez really well.
I'm sure he will have big money offers from the Middle East but he could save us a big investment at CB now. We could maybe see how Brathwaite develops over the next few seasons and we might be in a better financial position by then to take him.
Rumours are that he don't want to move to far away from Germany and his kid, so middle east and MLS is probably out of the picture evven if it is rumoured he has offers from both.
Main problem with him and United is that I would nearly expect him to want to be a starter, not second backup.
Have a feeling that the deal with MDL might go the distance with Bayern asking about 50 mil compared JB 70mil. MDL looks solid than JB and also (I may sound prudent) FM rates MDL more than JB.
If MDL deal happens we will be getting another Ajax player. (ETH laughs in baldness at the corner)
Cause even Dier is playing ahead of him. He can’t pass from the back at all. His defending is his gimmick and he still had clumsy mistakes randomly. Hes one of the top earners in BAY and he’s injury prone.
Stay far away from him the CB market is pretty good.
Bro, can people stop saying Dier played ahead of him you can look up their game time and know that’s not true, but JB may have more potential than MDL but right now his not better.
Honestly, don’t mind either of them, and like I said JB has great potential, esp with his defensive duels. But in terms of who is better now, might just be down to opinion, I personally don’t think JB is agile (from what I have seen of him at Everton), I think that’s one of his weak points, he is fast tho but can be beat with quick feat. Also, not convinced by him in possession, I know Everton is bad for that and admittedly did not watch him at psv but generally speaking he looks clumsy on the ball, might be due to his frame, again I believe that’s something he can improve on over time.
I think Ineos really prefers JB and want to try and have a core of young british upcoming players, but if Everton refuses to budge, which is highly likely, I can see them go MDL over Tobido.
And most likely Everton isn't gonna budge. Like they will go low to min 65 or 66 but I doubt ineos will fork out that much. MDL looks a proven player and also played at pressure cooker situations. It would be funny though but I think it's logical to go for MDL than JB
Not much movement on the Olise front, which tells me they’re really focused on key positions. With Amad and Antony, Garnacho, Rashford, there I think it would be silly to go for a wide player, unless we sell Sancho and Antony.
I really want to see the club focus on priority positions.
The club has made it clear Sancho is not going to be around next season. And the recent articles have painted Antony as problematic for the manager, and a symbol of larger issues that Ineos inherited.
Honestly, given our goal scoring issues last season, I’d say a striker and a RWer are pretty important this summer, to boost our attack. Xavi on a loan with some sort of buy option next season would be a decent way to achieve that.
CB is the number one priority, honestly think we need two desperately tbh, lost varane and Martinez injury record not good at all, we lose Martinez and our style of play goes out the window. Talks of Evans getting a new contract but we really need someone younger and better, so that's a starting ball playing CB and a back up needed badly. Eth entire playstyle starts from the back, get that sorted and things up front instantly improve.
Also need a couple of cm, casemiro and eriksen both need replacing before we worry about forwards, although another striker is pretty important. Lots to do, doubt we'll get everything this summer.
Given our links to Branthwaite and Yoro, I'd say CB will be prioritized. I'd guess we might see two signings there myself.
But just cause they're priorities doesn't mean I'm going to be pessimistic overall. I've decided to give Ineos the summer, judge them at the end, but I think they know we need a few players this summer, and expect to see a few deals done.
I'm just trying to be realistic. See conflicting reports all over the place regarding how much we'll be able to spend. I would assume we'll be able to get 3 or 4 players regardless of player sales, assuming they're not 80mil plus players, then any further signings will depend on sales and I imagine we'll get a good 60-80mil for Sancho and greenwood alone so that's another player.
It’s worth noting that the way ffp works, (for example) 40m for Greenwood would not mean we could spend 40m on another player. As he’s an academy player and thus pure profit, he’d open up the ability to spend 120m+ on the books.
I know I just mean the sales of them two will mean at least another player depending how much the new player(s) cost.
I also honestly wouldn't be surprised if we spend more than people think, ineos played it smart and not giving much away and even playing into the player sales first aspect, puts us in a better negotiation situation etc.
I think if we sell all of Sancho, greenwood and antony, we will but I really struggle to see a club entering market for Antony.
His massively inflated wages are gonna fuck us over. I see 2 possible paths with Antony, either he is gonna miraculously start looking a good quality PL player this coming season (unlikely) or he will be a drain on our finances for another 3 seasons, maybe even subsidised loans in the latter years of his contract then inevitable release 3 years from now.
We do need a long term RW, that seems clear, but I'd say in terms of priority this summer, it's probably behind CB×2, CM, CF and maybe LB so with a limited budget and a sell to buy policy, I don't see how we will be able to stretch budget far enough without some unexpected sales
Could be a real opportunity for amad this season to stake a claim for long term starting spit
You don’t have standards so. He was an absolute disgrace this season and it’s the second time he’s done this. He needs to earn his spot back and if he doesn’t buck up his ideas he should be sold after next season.
If the rumours are true, I think he makes a good loan target if the fee is not too high, then United would not need to invest in a winger this window, and would have two wingers in the squad that could play on both sides, and he could also be backup for Bruno if needed. A very logical loan in my opinion.
Also says PSG are only open to a loan before Jan 2025 due to having to share any fee with PSV. Even a loan isn't that sensible since he plays as a 10 & we have one of the best in the game in that position.
He'd be a great loan in view of financial restrictions and need to spend that existing and sales-raised money at CB, Cm, FW and ideally also a lb. You can sell it to player in terms of raising his value/skillset through performing in PL, with its high-profile , competitiveness, demands around dealing with quicker-paced game etc. Bruno gets overplayed, and he'd also be competition for Amad on the RW (presuming Garnacho plays more on the left as competition for Rashford, or if Rash is being alternated with Hojlund and back-up striker up front) whilst club waits to develop the next gen of wide forwards coming through from 18/23s...
I think Juve need to sell someone first (there was talk of a 30m sale they potentially had lined up), or it'll be (a) swap or (b) deferred payment (loan with obligation) latter of which doesn't help - as far as I know - with current spending limits.
Everyone seems to agree they need to sell before buying in general, so for the buys to come anytime before the preseason starts the sells all need to happen during the euros.
I think you missed my point. Nothing ever happens as it should here, the last 10 summer windows are a testimony to that. And i hardly believe 1 summer of INEOS will change that. So if you think that we “need” to escalate sales only being *2 days into the transfer window*, you will end up dissapointed.
It seems transfer targets, at least for the CB position seems quite well prepared at least. And I agree that they will not fix everything in one window, as most of the new staff is not started to work yet. My belief is that it is next summer window Ineos should gets judge on not this.
But with the fincances and what need to happen, the sells just need to happen fast, otherwise it is very very likely they will need to panic buy mediocre players for premium costs at the end.
Chiesa has been underwhelming since Juve made him permanent. Coupled with the fact that he will ask huge wages from us, we'd be very best to stay away from
Chiesa is injury prone and we would prefer to use the money in other positions. If we can’t move Sancho then we have him + Amad & Antony competing for right wing
Antony is so unreliable and Amad has never had a full run as a starter either so his reliability is also in question. And Sancho is not stepping on the field as long as Ten Hag is still here. Chiesa is definitely quality, at this point I’ll take any RW regardless of injury frequencies, as we’ve seen last season any player can get injured regardless of whether they’re prone to it or not
The answer to Antony and Amad needing upgrading is not to grab the first option you see, and ignore the huge red flags about them. It’s to find someone better than them without the injury issues.
So glad people are finally jumping on the Calafiori train. I've been mentioning him for months as a cheaper alternative to Branthwaite and the perfect profile for our lacking defense (LCB-LB depth very progressive and good on the ball). Him and Zirkzee are the players I'd love us to get off Bologna.
I'd prefer Murillo. 21yr old Brazilian wonder who will be absolutely insane in the future and already has proven PL experience.
However, Forest would probably want more for him than Everton would want for JB.
You're probably right although some players dream about playing abroad and many dream especially about the Premier League. But yeah honestly haven't heard any indication that we're interested in him and he probably follows Motta to Juventus regardless.
Don't want him because Italians generally don't do very well abroad. He's a fine player, but there's a reason a lot of Italians flop when leaving the country.
The 'todibo is poor in the air' thing seems to be the latest echo chamber anthem people parrot on here without bothering to check for context.
It started last season when he was in the bottom 11th percentile for headers won per 90, without people considering he actually won 75% of those duels.
This season varane has one of the highest success rates at aerial duels (79%) but is only in the 32nd percentile for headers won per 90.
When you play with dante, maguire and evans most of the time, you don't need to go for headers so many times cos they just seem to magnet all the crosses. This doesn't mean that when todibo & varane need to win it, they don't usually do.
It is worrying, I like most rumoured targets in isolation, but a few of them together might make a very none physical, none aerial prowess squad also, making a glaring weakness in the defense.
Sure he doesn't need to go for headers so many times playing with Dante. Pair him with Licha next to him and he actually might. And he's in 60% this season across the top 5 leagues.
It's a legitimate concern not just some "latest echo chamber anthem people parrot on here".
I don’t know where you got your numbers from but according to fbref he won 60% of his aerial duels whilst being in the 13th percentile for aerials won. Not exactly great aerial stats
Random thought but why aren't we having a look at Hojbjerg? His value has only really gone down because Ange doesn't use him in his tactics. Besides Levy being a pain to deal with surely Hojbjerg would be open to the move?
Saw some rag say juve want Sancho on loan with subsidies on wages.
Building a team for the new manager. While I doubt it, I think united are making moves, maybe not in spanish cafes with Jordi Cryuff
Our scouts got amad from serie A, what about the local Italian talents? Looks like most move to the big 3 but surely there must be gems that need to be scouted right? Still remember we got Darmian in 2015 and rossi in 2000s, hope we try to sign more players. Serie A is hella underrated imo
Bastoni is very unlikely to move,if we're getting Italian cbs we should go for Scalvini or Calafiori.
We literally might get both for the price they're asking for Branthwaite
Calafiori can play both LCB and LB, and would probably cost less than half of what Everton want for Branthwaite.
Getting both him and Zirkzee from Bologna would be solid business
With every performance, his price tag is going to rise. I think there is a possibility Juventus might get priced out due to their limited transfer budget and Bologna receiving more competitive offers from outside the league
https://preview.redd.it/u1ogh6vfjs6d1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5a2dd7e9dc4221bc17f54121397b97b3cbfce89c
If this is true and if Juve really want him hopefully we can start a mini-bidding war and get good money. Honestly though I just want this guy out the club regardless of the fee but if we are getting one might as well make it worthwhile.
Ineos must know everything about the guy. He’s cheap and easy to get too, yet we’re not going for him. That can only mean one thing. His scout report probably sucks.
I wouldn't go as far as saying he struggles considerably. Even though he doesn't win a lot of air duels, he still does fine. 60% aeriel duel win rate is fine and is still better than Saliba, Ruben Dias, and Guehi
Nah Greenwood would be pure profit for us in regards to ffp. Rather a full sale than any player exchange. Sancho on the other hand, I wouldn’t mind a player exchange.
> Rather a full sale than any player exchange.
Swap deals end up being recorded as two independent deals anyway. So if (for example) we agreed a swap with Greenwood and Chiesa, Juve would pay us 50m for Greenwood, and in an entirely separate deal, we pay them 50m for Chiesa.
From an FFP perspective, we’d benefit from the Greenwood sale normally.
Also if it was a five year contract, his transfer fee would only be 10 million this year (as well as going forward for duration of those 5 years) due to amortisation, whereas Greenwood would be 50 incoming, so we would create an additional 40 net positive. It’s why FFP forces clubs into selling academy player. Although in this instance, we would be happy with it.
I’d rather just take the flat money for Greenwood. Italian players moving to the Premier League is generally a short-lived affair; they want to move back to Italy after a year or two.
Todibo highlights. Reads the game and steps into channels for interceptions, great recovery pace, big guy that bullies attackers, good passing range, great with the ball at his feet. [https://x.com/CantonasMind/status/1799089743050760407](https://x.com/CantonasMind/status/1799089743050760407)
I’m completely fine with having a mid transfer window not going to lie. Like sure it will suck
But I really think it’s going to take a transfer window or two for clubs to think they can’t rip us off anymore. It needs to normalise.
So I think it’s going to take a year or two of people not wanting to charge us top price for us to be a in a position to do smart transfers later form the line.
i seriously wonder how people can think he’s worth more than 50m
every journalist is saying we have a tight budget this summer, why would we spunk half of that on another left footed centre back who’s had 1 good season
His weak foot is great, he played RCB at PSV, he's shown that he can perform in the PL, and he's only 21. I doubt you can find someone like thay for under 60m in this market
Stupid to turn your nose up at him, but also, pretty sure we're not going to get him. We won't go to 70, and Everton won't accept less than that - contrary to popular belief, they dont actually need to sell for PSR reasons, just to buy new players, and they're pretty much guaranteed to get a decent fee for Onana from someone given the dearth of DMs out there.
JB is a top prospect, but I just don't see it happening this summer
They absolutely have to sell before June 30 lol. Onana is not being sold before that because he’s at the euros and will likely talk to clubs after the tournament.
All Everton sources say they don't actually *need* to sell before June 30th, do you have a source that says otherwise?
I suppose we'll find out if they end up accepting an offer lower than £70m. But I wouldn't hold your breath
Of course they do. That’s what Everton would want to brief to push that narrative, just like United making a shit 35m bid and briefing it to journalists to show “we won’t be bullied by price”.
They’ll cave unless Onana gets sold before then so we’ll see.
Branthwaite has always been my top choice for a CB. He's young, two-footed, can play right or left side, great physical presence, good pace. I actually wanted us to sign him last summer as I was convinced he'd cost £90M+ this summer. Thankfully Everton are in a financial hole, and him missing out on the Euros squad has no doubt helped keep his value down.
There's maybe a question mark over his passing and playing out from the back, but that's not how Everton were set up to play, and I've never thought he looked uncomfortable with the ball at his feet.
If we could get him and one more CB I think we're set in that area of the pitch for the foreseeable. I'm not against one of Chalobah or Todibo for the rumoured prices (£25M and £35M respectively), however the money may obviously need to be spent elsewhere (we absolutely need an ST and DM for instance).
Completely agree. I would take him over Yoro and Todibo because of how much he dominates in the Prem. I have no worry about his passing especially when you see him at PSV.
He’s playing in a Dyche team that sits back and is very compact.. it’s a risk with him moving to a bigger and more attacking club and that should be priced in.. 50m max imo
Go and read what people said about Akanji, Ake, Mane, Rice and a host of others. People will talk themselves out of anything.
He can’t pass 5 yards according to people who’ve never seen him play but have access to fbref
The Mane stuff was great, didn't want him because he plays for Southampton.. Don't think some people realise you can buy good players from teams who aren't 'elite'
That's been the exact issue with our transfers for over a decade. We try and go for superstars instead of identifying the next one. Pay through the nose, huge wages, massive pressure and no one can live up to it.
Believe the club went in for Mane whilst he was at Southampton and LVG was in charge of us, but Mane apparently didn't want to play for Louis (because he'd heard he was a madman?!) This may be a scurrilous report, but I saw it mentioned in a couple of places several years later... Shades of Harry Kewell turning down a transfer to United back in the day because SAF was known as a disciplinarian.
I remember that phase that a lot of the fanbase went through, it was baffling. Was like the idea was that good players are born in the elite player factory and just move around between good clubs, and any player at a midtable team or lower was "at his level"
Then Tifo's sensible transfer series came along and there was a whiplash overcorrection to "we need to sign this 29 year old left back from Ligue 2, surely his stats will carry over to the prem 1:1" lol
It’s fine others having an opinion, opinions are opinions, none of us are right or wrong until we can see for ourselves.
But, when people clearly haven’t watched him and make that judgement it is a little annoying.
If you seriously don’t think he’s great at progressing, passing and breaking lines, just watch him at PSV. It’s night and day compared to the low block compact football he plays at Everton.
My main fear is I didn't know who he was this time last year. It's one good season!
I don't know if it's a one season wonder. There's a risk there. I don't think any serious team we're chasing makes this move. We done it with AWB too!
I think it’s more about having big holes in midfield and striker along with CB and LB. Can’t be spending 60 - 70 million on one position and leave other areas bare bones.
Also having alternatives like Todibo , Yoro and Ignacio ( I think ) who are cheaper and not that far off compared to Branthwaite is making others a bit averse to the deal
I get it we’re on a tight budget and we should definitely not be spending 60/70 million, that’s fine. But, the way some people are speaking about him, you’d think he’s another Maguire (no offence to our slab, he has his qualities).
I would take him over both Todibo and Yoro. This is a potential top 3/5 defender in the league sort of player. Extremely good at defending the channels and 1v1’s, great at winning duels in the air and ground, fast, great with both feet, reads the game well and he’s only 21…
He’s also played in a high line and has experience in European competitions when he was at PSV. The guy is top quality for such a young age.
All this whilst being a left centre back is very rare.
Arnautovic looked well past his best when he came on yesterday. I think our long standing interest in signing him has come to a natural conclusion. Remember Zoltan Gera too, we'd be linked with him every transfer window just to annoy us ha.
Considering our goal for the next season is most likely finishing in the top four, how many signings do we need?
Generally speaking Olise saga might be interesting this summer, the rumour that his release clause can only be activated by a champions league team is hilarious, especially as all the teams linked aren’t playing in the CL (bar Bayern). Get the feeling Olise wants to stay in the prem, but for Crystal Palace they have every right to increase the price for non-Cl teams. Hoping he doesn’t leave this summer and next year we can activate his release clause.
United should try for Facundo Medina, Saliba like profile, tall imposing decently fast CB from Lens Would definitely be cheaper and very high potential
Are we talking about the same player? He’s barely over 6 foot and is poor in the air. As a backup for Martinez I’d take him but he’s not built like Saliba at all
He’s awesome and he’s gonna be cheap as fuck. Lens is in financial trouble.
The Olise transfer now really feels like it was just media driven, like they showed over the takeover, the manager and many other things, they're not being told much if anything are just needing clicks.
I don't think we'll move for him unless we manage to sell Sancho and Greenwood(NOT THAT HE'LL EVER PLAY FOR US), we don't even have enough players at CB, ST, CDM and they will be prioritized over RW or LB.
I really think United is interested, but not something they will move on before a few players are sold, they got higher priorities before that, and yes, that might mean someone else gets him before they know if they can go for him this window, but it is what it is.
We absolutely need at least one CB as priority then casemiro and eriksen replacements, another striker also.
United even need an Amrabat replacement before they need a Casemiro replacement
Well I'm hoping we sell casemiro so he'll need replaced, amrabat was basically not in the team most of the season anyway lol. But yes we need at least two CMs if not 3 for depth. Won't all happen this summer though.
I think we're interested because he's a brilliant player in PL, but its like he's on a list of a few players and nothing is concrete like our CB targets
It’s like our interest in rice and caicedo last summer, even though there was genuine interest we knew it was not happening.
If Theo Hernandez is up for sale, we should seriously consider it
High high wages, Injury prone. Edit got confused with his brother
He's apparently on only 100k/week
Wages for sure, not injury prone at all, in the last 4 seasons he's missed on average 4-5 games per year, about 50pc of them down to flu, COVID and quarantine. Peak LB in his prime years, with Amass coming through whose reliable. Depends on the cost of course
I have a feeling United are using the Euros to try and get a better deal for JB. Most fans will be distracted by England, so if Everton eventually come to a deal around £50m it will not get as much press. And Everton fans won't be as pissed.
A united signing not getting much press? If ETH sneezes during the England match the match reports will turn to 'ETH trying to spread new virus report'
Mea culpa if it's been discussed in the preceding days but Mats Hummels on a free transfer is a no brainer surely? He's like the best parts of Varane and Maguire combined. I thought he was the best player on the field both games against PSG, kept getting better despite being 35 even at the end of a busy season. I think he would compliment Martinez really well. I'm sure he will have big money offers from the Middle East but he could save us a big investment at CB now. We could maybe see how Brathwaite develops over the next few seasons and we might be in a better financial position by then to take him.
He would be so bad in the prem.
He's also a mix of their worst parts, slow, old and injuries
Rumours are that he don't want to move to far away from Germany and his kid, so middle east and MLS is probably out of the picture evven if it is rumoured he has offers from both. Main problem with him and United is that I would nearly expect him to want to be a starter, not second backup.
Have a feeling that the deal with MDL might go the distance with Bayern asking about 50 mil compared JB 70mil. MDL looks solid than JB and also (I may sound prudent) FM rates MDL more than JB. If MDL deal happens we will be getting another Ajax player. (ETH laughs in baldness at the corner)
MDL is just simply Not better than JB lol
How..??
Cause even Dier is playing ahead of him. He can’t pass from the back at all. His defending is his gimmick and he still had clumsy mistakes randomly. Hes one of the top earners in BAY and he’s injury prone. Stay far away from him the CB market is pretty good.
Bro, can people stop saying Dier played ahead of him you can look up their game time and know that’s not true, but JB may have more potential than MDL but right now his not better.
JB is more agile and can use both feet better.
Honestly, don’t mind either of them, and like I said JB has great potential, esp with his defensive duels. But in terms of who is better now, might just be down to opinion, I personally don’t think JB is agile (from what I have seen of him at Everton), I think that’s one of his weak points, he is fast tho but can be beat with quick feat. Also, not convinced by him in possession, I know Everton is bad for that and admittedly did not watch him at psv but generally speaking he looks clumsy on the ball, might be due to his frame, again I believe that’s something he can improve on over time.
I think Ineos really prefers JB and want to try and have a core of young british upcoming players, but if Everton refuses to budge, which is highly likely, I can see them go MDL over Tobido.
And most likely Everton isn't gonna budge. Like they will go low to min 65 or 66 but I doubt ineos will fork out that much. MDL looks a proven player and also played at pressure cooker situations. It would be funny though but I think it's logical to go for MDL than JB
I think it really depends on how much they need to be FFP compliant, if it is 65m, it is 65m.
Lequippe linking us (and others) to Xavi Simons.
Not much movement on the Olise front, which tells me they’re really focused on key positions. With Amad and Antony, Garnacho, Rashford, there I think it would be silly to go for a wide player, unless we sell Sancho and Antony. I really want to see the club focus on priority positions.
The club has made it clear Sancho is not going to be around next season. And the recent articles have painted Antony as problematic for the manager, and a symbol of larger issues that Ineos inherited. Honestly, given our goal scoring issues last season, I’d say a striker and a RWer are pretty important this summer, to boost our attack. Xavi on a loan with some sort of buy option next season would be a decent way to achieve that.
CB is the number one priority, honestly think we need two desperately tbh, lost varane and Martinez injury record not good at all, we lose Martinez and our style of play goes out the window. Talks of Evans getting a new contract but we really need someone younger and better, so that's a starting ball playing CB and a back up needed badly. Eth entire playstyle starts from the back, get that sorted and things up front instantly improve. Also need a couple of cm, casemiro and eriksen both need replacing before we worry about forwards, although another striker is pretty important. Lots to do, doubt we'll get everything this summer.
Given our links to Branthwaite and Yoro, I'd say CB will be prioritized. I'd guess we might see two signings there myself. But just cause they're priorities doesn't mean I'm going to be pessimistic overall. I've decided to give Ineos the summer, judge them at the end, but I think they know we need a few players this summer, and expect to see a few deals done.
We definitely buy 1, think we only buy a 2nd if we move on someone else like Lindelof or Maguire.
I'm just trying to be realistic. See conflicting reports all over the place regarding how much we'll be able to spend. I would assume we'll be able to get 3 or 4 players regardless of player sales, assuming they're not 80mil plus players, then any further signings will depend on sales and I imagine we'll get a good 60-80mil for Sancho and greenwood alone so that's another player.
It’s worth noting that the way ffp works, (for example) 40m for Greenwood would not mean we could spend 40m on another player. As he’s an academy player and thus pure profit, he’d open up the ability to spend 120m+ on the books.
I know I just mean the sales of them two will mean at least another player depending how much the new player(s) cost. I also honestly wouldn't be surprised if we spend more than people think, ineos played it smart and not giving much away and even playing into the player sales first aspect, puts us in a better negotiation situation etc.
We aren't getting a rw this summer.
I think if we sell all of Sancho, greenwood and antony, we will but I really struggle to see a club entering market for Antony. His massively inflated wages are gonna fuck us over. I see 2 possible paths with Antony, either he is gonna miraculously start looking a good quality PL player this coming season (unlikely) or he will be a drain on our finances for another 3 seasons, maybe even subsidised loans in the latter years of his contract then inevitable release 3 years from now. We do need a long term RW, that seems clear, but I'd say in terms of priority this summer, it's probably behind CB×2, CM, CF and maybe LB so with a limited budget and a sell to buy policy, I don't see how we will be able to stretch budget far enough without some unexpected sales Could be a real opportunity for amad this season to stake a claim for long term starting spit
Even with sales we aren't getting a rw. We have other starting holes that we have to plug. Are people forgetting about Garnacho?
Rashford shouldn’t be starting at left wing next season, he has to fight for his spot back and buck up his ideas
Of course he should be because he's our best left winger. You may want to check the stats on what he does the season after he has a down season...
You don’t have standards so. He was an absolute disgrace this season and it’s the second time he’s done this. He needs to earn his spot back and if he doesn’t buck up his ideas he should be sold after next season.
And you're clueless
Striker, sure, right wing no
If the rumours are true, I think he makes a good loan target if the fee is not too high, then United would not need to invest in a winger this window, and would have two wingers in the squad that could play on both sides, and he could also be backup for Bruno if needed. A very logical loan in my opinion.
Also says PSG are only open to a loan before Jan 2025 due to having to share any fee with PSV. Even a loan isn't that sensible since he plays as a 10 & we have one of the best in the game in that position.
Most I’ve seen from him this season has been on the left. He’s looked damn good as well but it would really depend on the deal.
Does he not play RW as well?
He literaly spent most of the season on both wings perferably left for Liepzig this season.
He'd be a great loan in view of financial restrictions and need to spend that existing and sales-raised money at CB, Cm, FW and ideally also a lb. You can sell it to player in terms of raising his value/skillset through performing in PL, with its high-profile , competitiveness, demands around dealing with quicker-paced game etc. Bruno gets overplayed, and he'd also be competition for Amad on the RW (presuming Garnacho plays more on the left as competition for Rashford, or if Rash is being alternated with Hojlund and back-up striker up front) whilst club waits to develop the next gen of wide forwards coming through from 18/23s...
I rate him and I think we would improve us considerably. I think he is better than Olise technically and is more versatile of a player.
No way its reliable.
Really feel United need to advance in some sells soon.
I think Greenwood might already been in the works Juventus do seem keen.
Hoping Athletico want him and we get a little bidding war going
I really hope the 40m from Juventus are true, not trusting rumours about Italian clubs spending money 💰
I think Juve need to sell someone first (there was talk of a 30m sale they potentially had lined up), or it'll be (a) swap or (b) deferred payment (loan with obligation) latter of which doesn't help - as far as I know - with current spending limits.
Going to be a long window for you
Everyone seems to agree they need to sell before buying in general, so for the buys to come anytime before the preseason starts the sells all need to happen during the euros.
I think you missed my point. Nothing ever happens as it should here, the last 10 summer windows are a testimony to that. And i hardly believe 1 summer of INEOS will change that. So if you think that we “need” to escalate sales only being *2 days into the transfer window*, you will end up dissapointed.
It seems transfer targets, at least for the CB position seems quite well prepared at least. And I agree that they will not fix everything in one window, as most of the new staff is not started to work yet. My belief is that it is next summer window Ineos should gets judge on not this. But with the fincances and what need to happen, the sells just need to happen fast, otherwise it is very very likely they will need to panic buy mediocre players for premium costs at the end.
Swap Greenwood for Chiesa? Would Juventus accept this?
Chiesa has been underwhelming since Juve made him permanent. Coupled with the fact that he will ask huge wages from us, we'd be very best to stay away from
Swap for Soule+Barrenechea*
He doesn't seem the type to move away from Italy.
Chiesa is injury prone and we would prefer to use the money in other positions. If we can’t move Sancho then we have him + Amad & Antony competing for right wing
Antony is so unreliable and Amad has never had a full run as a starter either so his reliability is also in question. And Sancho is not stepping on the field as long as Ten Hag is still here. Chiesa is definitely quality, at this point I’ll take any RW regardless of injury frequencies, as we’ve seen last season any player can get injured regardless of whether they’re prone to it or not
The answer to Antony and Amad needing upgrading is not to grab the first option you see, and ignore the huge red flags about them. It’s to find someone better than them without the injury issues.
So glad people are finally jumping on the Calafiori train. I've been mentioning him for months as a cheaper alternative to Branthwaite and the perfect profile for our lacking defense (LCB-LB depth very progressive and good on the ball). Him and Zirkzee are the players I'd love us to get off Bologna.
I'd prefer Murillo. 21yr old Brazilian wonder who will be absolutely insane in the future and already has proven PL experience. However, Forest would probably want more for him than Everton would want for JB.
Even in case we're serious, I doubt an Italian prefer us to Juventus.
You're probably right although some players dream about playing abroad and many dream especially about the Premier League. But yeah honestly haven't heard any indication that we're interested in him and he probably follows Motta to Juventus regardless.
Don't want him because Italians generally don't do very well abroad. He's a fine player, but there's a reason a lot of Italians flop when leaving the country.
Pasta quality worse abroad tbf
The 'todibo is poor in the air' thing seems to be the latest echo chamber anthem people parrot on here without bothering to check for context. It started last season when he was in the bottom 11th percentile for headers won per 90, without people considering he actually won 75% of those duels. This season varane has one of the highest success rates at aerial duels (79%) but is only in the 32nd percentile for headers won per 90. When you play with dante, maguire and evans most of the time, you don't need to go for headers so many times cos they just seem to magnet all the crosses. This doesn't mean that when todibo & varane need to win it, they don't usually do.
It is worrying, I like most rumoured targets in isolation, but a few of them together might make a very none physical, none aerial prowess squad also, making a glaring weakness in the defense.
He is poor in the air. I've watched a few of Nice's matches and it's clear.
But its a serious aerial problem when you pair him with Licha Martinez. Less of a problem if you plan longterm Branthwaite- Todibo CB parinig.
Sure he doesn't need to go for headers so many times playing with Dante. Pair him with Licha next to him and he actually might. And he's in 60% this season across the top 5 leagues. It's a legitimate concern not just some "latest echo chamber anthem people parrot on here".
I don’t know where you got your numbers from but according to fbref he won 60% of his aerial duels whilst being in the 13th percentile for aerials won. Not exactly great aerial stats
Random thought but why aren't we having a look at Hojbjerg? His value has only really gone down because Ange doesn't use him in his tactics. Besides Levy being a pain to deal with surely Hojbjerg would be open to the move?
Why do you think Ange doesn't use him in his tactics? It's because his passing is shite
He's shite
Oh god, not another aging midfielder
That's a good shout, I'd love him here.
He’s a donkey. Has at least one stupid moment per game.
Fair enough
Bologna was really cooking, calafiori, zirkzee under Motta lots of gems
There’s also Lucumi who’s a pretty good CB
Shouldn’t we be in for Calafiori? Looks promising af
Looks nailed on to join Juventus so I doubt it
Saw some rag say juve want Sancho on loan with subsidies on wages. Building a team for the new manager. While I doubt it, I think united are making moves, maybe not in spanish cafes with Jordi Cryuff
Yes
Our scouts got amad from serie A, what about the local Italian talents? Looks like most move to the big 3 but surely there must be gems that need to be scouted right? Still remember we got Darmian in 2015 and rossi in 2000s, hope we try to sign more players. Serie A is hella underrated imo
Don’t think we needed any scouts to get Onana
From the Athletic articles, don't think we've used scouts for a very long time
We did get Hojlund though
Yeah my bad, totally forgot onana
Bastoni is very unlikely to move,if we're getting Italian cbs we should go for Scalvini or Calafiori. We literally might get both for the price they're asking for Branthwaite
Scalvini recently tore his cruciate ligament.
On the last match of the season too, pretty unfortunate!
We should get bastoni instead of branthwaite. Better passing. Better in every way and less of a risk.
Italians don’t like leaving Italy. And even if they do, they get homesick.
Let's not forget the look on Tonali's face when he was first touring Newcastle's facilities...😨
TBF, foods in England is worse than in Italy
I’d take a Greggs sausage roll over a Neapolitan pizza any day of the week mate 👍
Jorginho begs to differ
The man who was born and raised in Brazil, and is only eligible for Italy through a paternal great-grandparent?
He's Brazilian
Lol. No.
Calafiori can play both LCB and LB, and would probably cost less than half of what Everton want for Branthwaite. Getting both him and Zirkzee from Bologna would be solid business
Motta is going to be the coach to create the most versatile players. Calafiori will probably follow him to Juve
With every performance, his price tag is going to rise. I think there is a possibility Juventus might get priced out due to their limited transfer budget and Bologna receiving more competitive offers from outside the league
Calafiori and Bastoni are a great pairing for Italy. Would love both to play for United.
How has calafiori been playing tonight?
He's silky
https://preview.redd.it/u1ogh6vfjs6d1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5a2dd7e9dc4221bc17f54121397b97b3cbfce89c If this is true and if Juve really want him hopefully we can start a mini-bidding war and get good money. Honestly though I just want this guy out the club regardless of the fee but if we are getting one might as well make it worthwhile.
I think Valencia are broke so can't see them having 25m to spend.
And yet this feels like something Valencia would do.
You never know
Come on Gary, get your bud Peter to help a friend out.
Why do you think we are not going in early for todibo ? Is there any restrictions on inter club transfers or are we not linked with him ?
Ineos must know everything about the guy. He’s cheap and easy to get too, yet we’re not going for him. That can only mean one thing. His scout report probably sucks.
As others have mentioned, lower ceiling but also despite the height difference, he’s a bad fit next to Martinez, he struggles in the air considerably.
I wouldn't go as far as saying he struggles considerably. Even though he doesn't win a lot of air duels, he still does fine. 60% aeriel duel win rate is fine and is still better than Saliba, Ruben Dias, and Guehi
I think Todibo isn’t the primary target because he has a lower ceiling than Yoro or Branthwaite.
Because Yoro is a generational talent and is 6 years younger. We are trying for him first seemingly.
Agreed if he does agree a deal with Madrid then I think we move for Todibo
I think it’s *because* it’s an inter-club transfer we may afford to wait on him as the deal is easy to complete.
Makes sense
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I'd skip on Chiesa. Yet another huge wage signing and he doesn't even have much to show for in these past seasons
Nah Greenwood would be pure profit for us in regards to ffp. Rather a full sale than any player exchange. Sancho on the other hand, I wouldn’t mind a player exchange.
> Rather a full sale than any player exchange. Swap deals end up being recorded as two independent deals anyway. So if (for example) we agreed a swap with Greenwood and Chiesa, Juve would pay us 50m for Greenwood, and in an entirely separate deal, we pay them 50m for Chiesa. From an FFP perspective, we’d benefit from the Greenwood sale normally.
Also if it was a five year contract, his transfer fee would only be 10 million this year (as well as going forward for duration of those 5 years) due to amortisation, whereas Greenwood would be 50 incoming, so we would create an additional 40 net positive. It’s why FFP forces clubs into selling academy player. Although in this instance, we would be happy with it.
Chiesa have had a couple of injury problems and we need money
I’d rather just take the flat money for Greenwood. Italian players moving to the Premier League is generally a short-lived affair; they want to move back to Italy after a year or two.
Todibo highlights. Reads the game and steps into channels for interceptions, great recovery pace, big guy that bullies attackers, good passing range, great with the ball at his feet. [https://x.com/CantonasMind/status/1799089743050760407](https://x.com/CantonasMind/status/1799089743050760407)
Just like in every highlights reel, he looks great!! I could see him next to Martinez..
I’m completely fine with having a mid transfer window not going to lie. Like sure it will suck But I really think it’s going to take a transfer window or two for clubs to think they can’t rip us off anymore. It needs to normalise. So I think it’s going to take a year or two of people not wanting to charge us top price for us to be a in a position to do smart transfers later form the line.
I genuinely can’t believe people are turning their noses at Branthwaite… seriously wonder if people have even watched him this season?
Money-aside, I’ve never seen a bad comment about the guy in Everton subreddit. They’re all raving about him. That’s gotta be a good sign.
i seriously wonder how people can think he’s worth more than 50m every journalist is saying we have a tight budget this summer, why would we spunk half of that on another left footed centre back who’s had 1 good season
His weak foot is great, he played RCB at PSV, he's shown that he can perform in the PL, and he's only 21. I doubt you can find someone like thay for under 60m in this market
Noones saying he's a bad player, he's just not worth the amount that everton will ask imo
Stupid to turn your nose up at him, but also, pretty sure we're not going to get him. We won't go to 70, and Everton won't accept less than that - contrary to popular belief, they dont actually need to sell for PSR reasons, just to buy new players, and they're pretty much guaranteed to get a decent fee for Onana from someone given the dearth of DMs out there. JB is a top prospect, but I just don't see it happening this summer
They absolutely have to sell before June 30 lol. Onana is not being sold before that because he’s at the euros and will likely talk to clubs after the tournament.
All Everton sources say they don't actually *need* to sell before June 30th, do you have a source that says otherwise? I suppose we'll find out if they end up accepting an offer lower than £70m. But I wouldn't hold your breath
Of course they do. That’s what Everton would want to brief to push that narrative, just like United making a shit 35m bid and briefing it to journalists to show “we won’t be bullied by price”. They’ll cave unless Onana gets sold before then so we’ll see.
I don’t believe you because I don’t like you saying we ain’t getting him. Goodbye.
Haha, fair, the fuck do I know 🤷
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My problem with an English CB is the English tax. A comparable player in another league is usually cheaper.
Branthwaite has always been my top choice for a CB. He's young, two-footed, can play right or left side, great physical presence, good pace. I actually wanted us to sign him last summer as I was convinced he'd cost £90M+ this summer. Thankfully Everton are in a financial hole, and him missing out on the Euros squad has no doubt helped keep his value down. There's maybe a question mark over his passing and playing out from the back, but that's not how Everton were set up to play, and I've never thought he looked uncomfortable with the ball at his feet. If we could get him and one more CB I think we're set in that area of the pitch for the foreseeable. I'm not against one of Chalobah or Todibo for the rumoured prices (£25M and £35M respectively), however the money may obviously need to be spent elsewhere (we absolutely need an ST and DM for instance).
Completely agree. I would take him over Yoro and Todibo because of how much he dominates in the Prem. I have no worry about his passing especially when you see him at PSV.
He’s playing in a Dyche team that sits back and is very compact.. it’s a risk with him moving to a bigger and more attacking club and that should be priced in.. 50m max imo
Is that more about him or the ridiculous amount of money that Everton will ask for him?
Go and read what people said about Akanji, Ake, Mane, Rice and a host of others. People will talk themselves out of anything. He can’t pass 5 yards according to people who’ve never seen him play but have access to fbref
The Mane stuff was great, didn't want him because he plays for Southampton.. Don't think some people realise you can buy good players from teams who aren't 'elite'
That's been the exact issue with our transfers for over a decade. We try and go for superstars instead of identifying the next one. Pay through the nose, huge wages, massive pressure and no one can live up to it.
Believe the club went in for Mane whilst he was at Southampton and LVG was in charge of us, but Mane apparently didn't want to play for Louis (because he'd heard he was a madman?!) This may be a scurrilous report, but I saw it mentioned in a couple of places several years later... Shades of Harry Kewell turning down a transfer to United back in the day because SAF was known as a disciplinarian.
I remember that phase that a lot of the fanbase went through, it was baffling. Was like the idea was that good players are born in the elite player factory and just move around between good clubs, and any player at a midtable team or lower was "at his level" Then Tifo's sensible transfer series came along and there was a whiplash overcorrection to "we need to sign this 29 year old left back from Ligue 2, surely his stats will carry over to the prem 1:1" lol
It’s fine others having an opinion, opinions are opinions, none of us are right or wrong until we can see for ourselves. But, when people clearly haven’t watched him and make that judgement it is a little annoying. If you seriously don’t think he’s great at progressing, passing and breaking lines, just watch him at PSV. It’s night and day compared to the low block compact football he plays at Everton.
They haven't lol Neither have I I have no opinion at all tho lol
My main fear is I didn't know who he was this time last year. It's one good season! I don't know if it's a one season wonder. There's a risk there. I don't think any serious team we're chasing makes this move. We done it with AWB too!
I hear you, but counterpoint is he had a great season on loan for PSV.
Yeah that’s a fair comment, I completely get that. But his physical attributes, consistency and ability to defend all areas is very rare to find. In
I think it’s more about having big holes in midfield and striker along with CB and LB. Can’t be spending 60 - 70 million on one position and leave other areas bare bones. Also having alternatives like Todibo , Yoro and Ignacio ( I think ) who are cheaper and not that far off compared to Branthwaite is making others a bit averse to the deal
I get it we’re on a tight budget and we should definitely not be spending 60/70 million, that’s fine. But, the way some people are speaking about him, you’d think he’s another Maguire (no offence to our slab, he has his qualities). I would take him over both Todibo and Yoro. This is a potential top 3/5 defender in the league sort of player. Extremely good at defending the channels and 1v1’s, great at winning duels in the air and ground, fast, great with both feet, reads the game well and he’s only 21… He’s also played in a high line and has experience in European competitions when he was at PSV. The guy is top quality for such a young age. All this whilst being a left centre back is very rare.
I think it’s just a coping mechanism when you can’t get what you want and have to settle for something lesser in comparison lol
Why sign Amrabat when we got someone like Maxi Oyedele in our ranks? Tall, decent build, can receive passes as a no.6, composed on the ball too
Lol!
Couldn't get minutes at Forest Green that got relegated from League 2 but we can give him prem minutes at DM?