When the Cucurella negotiations collapsed on friday last week I said to my mate I doubt they are asking for £50 million as reported by the papers. Just like the Kane Deal when Levy demanded upwards of 150 million we find out today Brighton wanted north of £60 million.
Its a shame as after Haaland that was the player I wanted us to sign the most but I guess the club only pays out based on specific evaluations. Im sure Pep wouldn't mind the cost but Txiki runs transfers.
Find it amazing that 14 years after the City group takeover a player clearly prefers to join us over a club like Chelsea and to add to that, Chelsea have to come for our squad players to improve their first team.
I have tagged united as they are also having that sort of season in the transfer market and it would be interesting to hear their thoughts but I don't think either club are in as bad a shape as the media or opposition fans would like to think.
Generally I think we are in transition but I don't think we are any weaker. Sterling is not Ronaldo and yes we will miss Gabby because he is an amazing player/character who can play several positions but in crucial moments he has let the team down as has Sterling so the team is simply evolving in a different direction.
I suspect Bernardo will go before the window shuts as there is a gentleman's agreement to let him move to Spain and Barca will bid enough in the closing stages of the transfer window so brace yourself for more chat around how the City team is weaker.
Think Phillips will play a lot, lot more than people realise with Rodri transitioning as a deep play maker and KDB playing Box to Box more. Another thing people forget is Foden had to sacrifice his natural game as a false 9 and I expect him to have a brilliant season. Who knows about Grealish but if he matches his potential then all these concerns about our squad will go away.
Think United will also play better as a team and I have them down to get 4th as will arsenal.
We could do with another fullback but I'm happy with the youngsters. Think we may play differently this season and surprise a lot of people. More players will leave in the summer (Gundo) but I have a sneaky feeling we will tussle for Jude Bellingham with Liverpool in the summer as Bernardos replacement.
Its a transition period but I reckon we will be fine.
Pre Season Ramblings
posted on 6/8/22
comment by Franko Cantona 🏆 for ego only (U22187)
posted 37 minutes ago
comment by Pun (U21588)
posted 3 minutes ago
comment by Rouge (U19907)
posted 3 hours, 50 minutes ago
No hope utd get 4th with that midfield and defence.
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We have a midfield?
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Yes. But it’s just grass midfield but very nice grass and some teams play very good football in our midfield as the grass is so nice
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It's great to see the groundskeepers get recognition for once!
posted on 6/8/22
City are generally very sharp in the market.
Chelsea have binned their entire transfer team and seem to have a mouthy, green Yank leading their transfer business (which also seems to be based on a “what is everyone else talking about” strategy).
I think the bookies have it right: City will win the league. Chelsea will bomb.
posted on 6/8/22
comment by Rosso out here drippin’ in finesse (U17054)
posted 8 hours, 50 minutes ago
City are generally very sharp in the market.
Chelsea have binned their entire transfer team and seem to have a mouthy, green Yank leading their transfer business (which also seems to be based on a “what is everyone else talking about” strategy).
I think the bookies have it right: City will win the league. Chelsea will bomb.
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With the money Chelsea are spending the pressure is on, they have to be splitting or jumping above the top two to justify the cost.
posted on 6/8/22
The impact of buying the wrong players can be huge. Just look at United. City have been very reluctant to compromise in recent years and it has paid off. I remember the ‘experts’ saying we were doomed if we didn’t sign Pogba, and then McGuire. We weren’t.
posted on 6/8/22
City showed in interest in Pogba, Fred, Sanchez then Maguire with United barging in with unrealistic offers to buy the player.
Are Chelsea going down the same road?
posted on 6/8/22
United bought overpaid dross, time will tell with Chelsea but think they will settle down once they have what they need. Quality of players is better so think they will be in the mix.
posted on 6/8/22
comment by Boris 'Inky’ Gibson (U5901)
posted 2 hours, 6 minutes ago
City showed in interest in Pogba, Fred, Sanchez then Maguire with United barging in with unrealistic offers to buy the player.
Are Chelsea going down the same road?
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Looks like it, doesn’t it.
posted on 7/8/22
first game...Koulibally showed his class but ultimately got cramp-hell just get better with fitness.
Sterling was superb got a goal albeit offside by a fraction hell get us goals. Cucurella played a cameo but he looked like hes been playing for Chelsea for years, Chillwell has a right to be concerned.
As for the owner well he bought a champions league winning Club and needs time to implement change but as we are still suffering from the british govt BS over Roman i think 2 months after the takeover hes doing pretty good and when we get our new negotiators in place then itll settle down. But theyve been vetted and scrutinised so at least half the comments on the shady dealings at Chelsea are now not possible.
posted on 7/8/22
comment by Kamikaze Blue (U7450)
posted 23 hours, 26 minutes ago
The impact of buying the wrong players can be huge. Just look at United. City have been very reluctant to compromise in recent years and it has paid off. I remember the ‘experts’ saying we were doomed if we didn’t sign Pogba, and then McGuire. We weren’t.
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City just think they are Barcalona aand can just turn players heads not needing to bid to bid excessively but as you found with Cucurella you cant always get what you want.
posted on 7/8/22
comment by chelseadagger64 (U22880)
posted 4 hours, 35 minutes ago
comment by Kamikaze Blue (U7450)
posted 23 hours, 26 minutes ago
The impact of buying the wrong players can be huge. Just look at United. City have been very reluctant to compromise in recent years and it has paid off. I remember the ‘experts’ saying we were doomed if we didn’t sign Pogba, and then McGuire. We weren’t.
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City just think they are Barcalona aand can just turn players heads not needing to bid to bid excessively but as you found with Cucurella you cant always get what you want.
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We could if we'd been willing to spunk £67m on a player that's worth £40m tops.