Away from the shiiiiitstorm going on in the world right now, who should each of the big 6 target to help them get back into the title picture when next season eventually does kick off.
Pick one player that may be somewhat realistic that each club needs to strengthen in the most and then whether that’s enough to get them back into title contention.
Liverpool - Timo Werner. Currently don’t really have anyone to ease the Firmino role when he’s either unfit or out of form. Werner looks to be on his way and would be a great option, already in the title picture but this would keep us there.
City - Koulibaly. Lacking leaders at the back severely and are so much better when Laporte is there, would be a good replacement for Kompany and form a hell of a partnership with Laporte. Would it get them back in the title picture? Absolutely, they’d probably be a lot closer even just with Laporte for all season.
Spurs - difficult one as it needs to be someone who would work with Jose and also fit the squad and what’s needed. Work needed all over the squad but i still think a player who can play with/fill in for Kane is the most necessary, as evidenced right now. I’d go with Danny Ings, solid premier league goal scorer who works his socks off all game which Jose would love. I think he’d suit spurs squad well too and could partner Kane if needed. Don’t know if he’d be willing to make the move though, he seems happy to be playing week in week out. Don’t think it would be enough to transform them back into title challengers though.
Chelsea - this one was a little difficult. There’s a few positions they could improve on. They could go all out for a striker but they seem to be set on Abraham. They could look to a left back to improve on Alonso or Emerson, or a left winger to replace the aging Pedro and allow Pulisic to switch to the right. But I’ve gone for Jan Oblak. Kepa hasn’t been great this season, and i don’t think he was that great last season. Lampard doesn’t seem to love him with him being dropped and i think Chelsea could look to cut ties in the summer. If they do then Oblak is the man to replace him. Quite simply it’s him or Alisson as best in the world, and he would transform Chelsea’s defence. Would he get them back in the title picture? Possibly, although i think Lampard might need another season yet.
United - a month ago I’d have said a central midfielder, and they do still need that, however Fernandes has made such a difference that it isn’t the highest priority anymore. Right wing should be the position targeted and even though he’s going to go for a record fee, Jayden Sancho should be the man signed. A front 3 of Sancho Martial and Rashford would cause a lot of teams issues and could get them back into the title race, if they make a few more astute signings as well.
Arsenal - another difficult one as they have so much work to do and a lot could change in the summer with the situations surrounding lacazette and Aubameyang. But for now i think a centre half is key. Upamecano would be my choice, strong and pacey and would at least shore up a little of that defence allowing them to play the high line. Too much other work needed though in order to get back into the title race, and arterta will need time, and funds, in order to do it.
Who would you go for?
Top 6 transfers
posted on 15/3/20
Assuming the season ended now:
Liverpool - I agree with the OP Werner looks a great for them. Quality finisher with plenty of pace and can play out wide. He'd be a decent signing for any of the top 6.
City - Ageuro replacement. He's missed a lot of football this season. A lot will depend on if they're in the CL, but I could see them rivaling Liverpool for Werner.
Spurs - we need a few players, notably full backs and ether a top CB or holding midfielder. A striker would be a bonus but with everyone fit it's not the first position I'd look to strengthen. Tough to pick one player, but Semedo was tipped to join us in Jan and hopefully Jose can work some magic there.
Chelsea - they need a target man with regular goals in him. Willian looks like he's off but Pulisic and CHO should fill that gap. Cavani would scare teams, and though expensive he's be a definite upgrade on Giroud.
United - it's always hard to pick a weak link in a form side, but I'm not convinced by their backline even with Maguire. Alex Sandro would be my pick if I were Woodward. Let them have Pogba back and get it done.
Arsenal - whenever I see them their midfield looks lightweight. The links to Partey make sense. Though they really need defenders I don't see it making much difference if they don't have cover in front of them.
posted on 15/3/20
For me we need major surgery in defense and midfield and I will make midfield priority.
We need a shield for our kraap defense and Kongdobia who is been touted by a number of sources would be a good start . Big,strong and a good tackler and technically very sound. He would be a great addition. My only reservation is his injury record. Don’t believe it’s been that great. Either way Shoring up our midfield would be Priority for me this summer.
posted on 15/3/20
Some great shouts there Bales, especially Semedo and Alex Sandro.
Disagree re city though, they’ve really struggled without Laporte and with the loss of kompany. Jesus has filled in well for aguero and can continue to do so much when needed. They’ve still scored loads of goals and that’s without Sane all season too.
posted on 15/3/20
comment by Tiddles (U17634)
posted 2 minutes ago
Some great shouts there Bales, especially Semedo and Alex Sandro.
Disagree re city though, they’ve really struggled without Laporte and with the loss of kompany. Jesus has filled in well for aguero and can continue to do so much when needed. They’ve still scored loads of goals and that’s without Sane all season too.
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That's fair, I kinda assumed they'll sign a CB so I thought i'd go a bit left-field. I'm not sure about Jesus, he doesn't look comfortable or something. Koulibaly is a fair shout, maybe Skriniar from Inter? I've not seen much of him but my pal is a huge fan and doesn't want to to go.
posted on 15/3/20
But I’ve gone for Jan Oblak.
---------------
Nah, the diiickhead's already rejected us before when we met his buyout clause because we're not good/big enough for him. No chance of getting him.
posted on 15/3/20
the op asks about 1 player and is it enough.
simply put.
liverpool. no clearly 1 player wont be enough going forward. targeting a forward who might actually be able to get a shot on target seems sensible however. lfc have fallen apart lately as the reserve forwards simply are not good enough. one player alone wont keep us in a title race. assume front 3 plus minamino and we need to see origi played once this year ONCE. v everton. after that hes been poor to absolutely pants. lallana is out. keita a joke. that wont cut it with city for a second season running.
city. 1 cb, it's a start. they'd win the current league with that but losing silva and having aguero and fernandinho raging out plus add in the left full situation means city are likely to pump in another 500mil of fake sponsorships. oops did I say that out loud?
3. utd. utd are not terribly badly off if they could keep players fit. I would not go for Sancho when I have rashford, martial, james etc. they have vastly improved with Fernandes. they should but a replacement for matic imo. sorry mctominay is a hard worker but band average. one player might well get them back to top 4. title picture v city is not that easy.
4. chelsea. it's simple. they need a top cb. they've lots in midfield and lots up front if they play them but they are very average at the back. if they could stabilise results with consistency at the back they could get closer but again they wont catch city. with 1 player.
5. spurs. sorry spurs but you know you need more than 1 player. they are creaking at the back, dismantled in midfield and injured up front. I would say no 1 priority is a cm, followed closely by defenders but itll take 5 or 6.
6. arsenal. similar to spurs frankly. cb is an eyesore. has been for years. if they keep the forwards then that's where its at.
posted on 15/3/20
comment by moreinjuredthanowen (U9641)
posted 1 hour, 58 minutes ago
the op asks about 1 player and is it enough.
simply put.
liverpool. no clearly 1 player wont be enough going forward. targeting a forward who might actually be able to get a shot on target seems sensible however. lfc have fallen apart lately as the reserve forwards simply are not good enough. one player alone wont keep us in a title race. assume front 3 plus minamino and we need to see origi played once this year ONCE. v everton. after that hes been poor to absolutely pants. lallana is out. keita a joke. that wont cut it with city for a second season running.
city. 1 cb, it's a start. they'd win the current league with that but losing silva and having aguero and fernandinho raging out plus add in the left full situation means city are likely to pump in another 500mil of fake sponsorships. oops did I say that out loud?
3. utd. utd are not terribly badly off if they could keep players fit. I would not go for Sancho when I have rashford, martial, james etc. they have vastly improved with Fernandes. they should but a replacement for matic imo. sorry mctominay is a hard worker but band average. one player might well get them back to top 4. title picture v city is not that easy.
4. chelsea. it's simple. they need a top cb. they've lots in midfield and lots up front if they play them but they are very average at the back. if they could stabilise results with consistency at the back they could get closer but again they wont catch city. with 1 player.
5. spurs. sorry spurs but you know you need more than 1 player. they are creaking at the back, dismantled in midfield and injured up front. I would say no 1 priority is a cm, followed closely by defenders but itll take 5 or 6.
6. arsenal. similar to spurs frankly. cb is an eyesore. has been for years. if they keep the forwards then that's where its at.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You have twice mentioned there that certain teams might not cut it against city. Why are city the barometer of success mate. Whilst I agree we need to go and spend some money on i think 3 areas of the pitch I think you are being a tad harsh on our squad given that this very squad has got us into the position we are in. We are the barometer not city.
I think we need a left back, a centre back to replace lovren who i think will leave and another attacking option. Theres every chance adrians contract wont be renewed so possibly a back up keeper will be required. I think if we spend decent money on the 1st 3 areas we will be well equipped to go again.
posted on 15/3/20
Good article.
For us, Bruno hasn’t made any direct difference to central midfield, because he hasn’t played there.
He’s been playing at number ten, often more advanced than the wide forwards. The last couple of games, in fact, he’s often been our most advanced player off the ball.
He’s made something of an indirect difference, because his movement is very good, and he moves the ball on quickly when he receiving it - more often than not with one touch - which makes the CMs feeding him look better.
The difference we’ve seen in CM has primarily been about the emergence and sustained form of Fred, and Matic being an absolute revelation - the best he’s been in a United shirt - in recent months. Those are the real reasons we’ve looked so much better.
CM does remain a real priority though. Pogba I think will leave, and in any case isn’t a player for Ole’s double pivot, and Pereira almost certainly will. We should be aiming for a top drawer box-to-box player to partner McT/Fred, with Matic staying on as backup.
posted on 16/3/20
comment by Mellor, Lovely Cushioned Header, FOR GERRARD, OOOOOOHHHHHH YAAAAAAA BEEEUUUTTTYYYYY!!!!!!!!! (U1859)
posted 21 hours, 59 minutes ago
comment by moreinjuredthanowen (U9641)
posted 1 hour, 58 minutes ago
the op asks about 1 player and is it enough.
simply put.
liverpool. no clearly 1 player wont be enough going forward. targeting a forward who might actually be able to get a shot on target seems sensible however. lfc have fallen apart lately as the reserve forwards simply are not good enough. one player alone wont keep us in a title race. assume front 3 plus minamino and we need to see origi played once this year ONCE. v everton. after that hes been poor to absolutely pants. lallana is out. keita a joke. that wont cut it with city for a second season running.
city. 1 cb, it's a start. they'd win the current league with that but losing silva and having aguero and fernandinho raging out plus add in the left full situation means city are likely to pump in another 500mil of fake sponsorships. oops did I say that out loud?
3. utd. utd are not terribly badly off if they could keep players fit. I would not go for Sancho when I have rashford, martial, james etc. they have vastly improved with Fernandes. they should but a replacement for matic imo. sorry mctominay is a hard worker but band average. one player might well get them back to top 4. title picture v city is not that easy.
4. chelsea. it's simple. they need a top cb. they've lots in midfield and lots up front if they play them but they are very average at the back. if they could stabilise results with consistency at the back they could get closer but again they wont catch city. with 1 player.
5. spurs. sorry spurs but you know you need more than 1 player. they are creaking at the back, dismantled in midfield and injured up front. I would say no 1 priority is a cm, followed closely by defenders but itll take 5 or 6.
6. arsenal. similar to spurs frankly. cb is an eyesore. has been for years. if they keep the forwards then that's where its at.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You have twice mentioned there that certain teams might not cut it against city. Why are city the barometer of success mate. Whilst I agree we need to go and spend some money on i think 3 areas of the pitch I think you are being a tad harsh on our squad given that this very squad has got us into the position we are in. We are the barometer not city.
I think we need a left back, a centre back to replace lovren who i think will leave and another attacking option. Theres every chance adrians contract wont be renewed so possibly a back up keeper will be required. I think if we spend decent money on the 1st 3 areas we will be well equipped to go again.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
the assumption is that city will psend some ridiculous amount of money.
The reality is we have done great but we've managed our way through robertson injury with a lot of luck, no injuries bar mane for 2 weeks up front and we've shown how absolutely not up to it the reserves are.
We have a good first 11. but we are relying on 2 or 3 go to guys outside that.
posted on 16/3/20
comment by moreinjuredthanowen (U9641)
posted 1 hour, 5 minutes ago
comment by Mellor, Lovely Cushioned Header, FOR GERRARD, OOOOOOHHHHHH YAAAAAAA BEEEUUUTTTYYYYY!!!!!!!!! (U1859)
posted 21 hours, 59 minutes ago
comment by moreinjuredthanowen (U9641)
posted 1 hour, 58 minutes ago
the op asks about 1 player and is it enough.
simply put.
liverpool. no clearly 1 player wont be enough going forward. targeting a forward who might actually be able to get a shot on target seems sensible however. lfc have fallen apart lately as the reserve forwards simply are not good enough. one player alone wont keep us in a title race. assume front 3 plus minamino and we need to see origi played once this year ONCE. v everton. after that hes been poor to absolutely pants. lallana is out. keita a joke. that wont cut it with city for a second season running.
city. 1 cb, it's a start. they'd win the current league with that but losing silva and having aguero and fernandinho raging out plus add in the left full situation means city are likely to pump in another 500mil of fake sponsorships. oops did I say that out loud?
3. utd. utd are not terribly badly off if they could keep players fit. I would not go for Sancho when I have rashford, martial, james etc. they have vastly improved with Fernandes. they should but a replacement for matic imo. sorry mctominay is a hard worker but band average. one player might well get them back to top 4. title picture v city is not that easy.
4. chelsea. it's simple. they need a top cb. they've lots in midfield and lots up front if they play them but they are very average at the back. if they could stabilise results with consistency at the back they could get closer but again they wont catch city. with 1 player.
5. spurs. sorry spurs but you know you need more than 1 player. they are creaking at the back, dismantled in midfield and injured up front. I would say no 1 priority is a cm, followed closely by defenders but itll take 5 or 6.
6. arsenal. similar to spurs frankly. cb is an eyesore. has been for years. if they keep the forwards then that's where its at.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You have twice mentioned there that certain teams might not cut it against city. Why are city the barometer of success mate. Whilst I agree we need to go and spend some money on i think 3 areas of the pitch I think you are being a tad harsh on our squad given that this very squad has got us into the position we are in. We are the barometer not city.
I think we need a left back, a centre back to replace lovren who i think will leave and another attacking option. Theres every chance adrians contract wont be renewed so possibly a back up keeper will be required. I think if we spend decent money on the 1st 3 areas we will be well equipped to go again.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
the assumption is that city will psend some ridiculous amount of money.
The reality is we have done great but we've managed our way through robertson injury with a lot of luck, no injuries bar mane for 2 weeks up front and we've shown how absolutely not up to it the reserves are.
We have a good first 11. but we are relying on 2 or 3 go to guys outside that.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Guess its all down opinion but id disagree. I think we have a very competitive 17 or 18. I think its nigh on impossible to have a squad much deeper than that and keep everyone happy. The only reason city can as they are able to pay their players ridiculous amounts which probably offsets the lack of game time for some.
Absolutely no doubt we have been fortunate that the injuries we have had have not come in the areas we are lightest, agree on that 100%. But this squad has gone the distance in the league two years running now as well as competed in europe. I think 2 or 3 tweaks will be more than enough. City may well spend millions, but it could be argued they need to. They are miles off the pace.