Real Madrid won most of their titles recent times by signing top players in their teens or early 20s.
Signing Zidane and Figo at late 20s or early 30s worked out, but for very brief window, and then they had to succumb to a downward spiral when you have to replace them so quick and suffer from the pressure of it (hence why Perez overdosed on youth movement, or early 20s only signings for so long in 2nd term). We havent had that high yet, but in fact one of our main issues is how MUCH we keep struggling past 2 years is our team lacks consistency outside the famous defense line and goalie who preserved. Everything else we chop and changed WAY TO DAMN OFTEn every other summer. It rarely was due to age itself, but it certainly was one of the factors, that lead to the attitude of trying re-define the shape and quality of the squad so much.
Its not easy finding top level players in early 20s, but its certainly doable.
I like Rakitic, would be fine with us signing him, but on key position like midfield, I much rather focus on more signings like Dybala, Alex Sandro, De Ligt or even Pjanic, teen to mid 20s signings that can service you in their peak years.
Replacing 32 year old Khedira and 33 year old Matuidi with 31 year old Rakitic is just prolonging our problem to another season or two. Which is fine on occasion, but when its done too much, its essentially what a key part of your midfield becomes. That and settling for freebies and hoping it will sort itself out.
Buy on AliExpress.com
