We need 2 new midfielders IMO.
And although I like Matuidi, we should really stop spending money on 30 year old players who are only short term solutions. We need to spend more money on young players like Bentancur; players who will spend their prime here. Also, Max needs to stop being so stubborn and conservative with integrating younger players into the team.
Barella and Torreira will do nicely.
I know you're looking for that resale value, but Matuidi was a good purchase. Not sure how the bonuses shake out, if it will be 20M or closer to 30M. 20M is basically a steal in the current market, for a player of Blaise's calibre/experience/mental makeup, and we desperately needed more pop in the middle of the park. I missed the Tottenham game, but based upon what I've read about the possession stats/game flow, and just knowing this team inside-out, it's pretty predictable/clear he was a huge miss. His inclusion may well have changed the outcome. Also, the club can't just buy developmental players if Europe is a legitimate objective.
I agree that we should be going after a couple of midfielders, but we're going to have to clear some players out first. I expect Asabob, Sturaro, Lichtsteiner and Howedes to be on their way out. Probably Gigi, too, although I guess that's still TBD. We'll see who else, but I still think Alex Sandro and Dybala will be sticking around.
Torreira has really impressed me when I've had the opportunity to watch him. I could see that motor being very useful in our midfield, and based upon a year or so of what has seemed like interest from Juve, I could see management targeting him. Think that would be quite a good move.
Don't think we'll bring in a player like Barella at this point, not quite far enough along in his developmental curve, and those minutes should be Bentancur's at this point. Gotta have consistency in midfield if the club wants to challenge in Europe.
I also think that Beppinho is going to keep pushing hard for Emre Can, because that's a market opportunity that he just can't say no to.
Could maybe see something like Spinazzola, Caldara, Can, Torreira, and a RB. Kind of doubt we'll be going for much up top, but hard to say at this point.
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