I suspect we are prepared to go big at CF & CM to get top proven quality players in those areas, but I also think we have a top price we are prepared to pay and it may well be an either/or scenario. I also think that we have a number of options based upon the outcome re our priority targets, but I also feel we will be looking at players who are available for sale or in the last 2 seasons on contract, rather than players at clubs that do not want/need to sell.
For example the players that are possibly available for sale may include Lautaro, Jesus, De Jong, Dembele, Sabitzer & Brandt, whilst Grillitch is a free agent, and only the first 2 names IF their clubs sign players such as Dybala and Haaland. As far as I'm aware none of the others need to be sold in terms of finances or contract.
Another consideration will be bang for buck in that several players can be used in other positions & roles including; Nkunku, De Jong, Hickey, N'dicka, Nunez, Jesus, Gakpo, Diaby, Brandt etc. For example I think we are considering CB options who can not only play CB in a back4, but also as FB in a back 4 AND as the wide CBs in a back3.
The obvious benefits from this flexibility means yo don't need to sign as many players who can only play in 1 position or role, and this allows you to put more funds towards signing your top quality players needed to address the priorities/needs. Those needs include:
- playing quicker in transition through the middle 3rd (so as to keep our momentum & verticality once we have broken the press);
- creating more big scoring opportunities (as seen with Nketiah looking to make runs into space and in behind the defence); and
- being more efficient/clinical in front of goal (either from CF and/or WF).
Lastly there are those players who would be seen as not being starting quality as yet, but represent the potential to be in the future. This can include the likes of De Ketelaere, Ekitike, Elise, with the first 2 also able to play as both CF and WF, whilst Elise can play across the AM line.
