In an ideal world who would you want out and who would want to stay?
Out.
Alioski. Definitely reached his limit. Gives his all but we really need a higher class left back.
Roberts. Yes he’s had a couple of good games but can he get better? Personally I think he’s upper Championship level. Decent, sometimes, but decent isn’t going to cut it at this level.
Costa. Blimey Wolves saw us coming. Has an odd decent run just like Roberts but he’s far to lightweight and is a shocking tackler/defender.
Coops. Seems harsh this one and he is THE most improved player under Bielsa. Again I think we need better quality at this level. Wouldn’t be too bothered if we did keep him as a squad player, but would he be happy playing that role?
Pablo. One the best players at our club in recent years but now well past his peak. He struggled at times fitness wise last season. The most difficult replacement to find given his skill set.
Beradi. Credit to him coming back from injury but I don think he’s Premiership standard.
Casillas. Never rated him and way behind Meslier. Big wage I assume, which could be spent better elsewhere.
In. Speaks for itself. Everyone else ( unless I’ve missed someone obvious! )
On the players you have specifically mentioned
Alioski. Agreed reached his limit.
Roberts. Has improved in recent performances prior to christmas i would 100% agreed gone but last two games has influenced both games, I wouldnt write him off completely.
Costa. 100% agreed should be sold on.
Coops. agree think PL is just a level too far, great servant, but wouldnt want his record tarnished by being exposed next season.
Pablo. Sadly we missed promotion by 1 season and i think it would have been a just reward for an outstanding player in recent times associated with our Club. Sorry to see him go but age catches up on everyone.
Beradi. Delighted the Club extended his contact last year to help recover from that injury but like Capt Coops PL is above his comfort zone.
Casillas. Again Agreed never really took control and improved us at the back always capable of a costly blunder and Meisler hasnt given Kiko any oppertinuity to get the No. 1 Jersey back.
Foreshaw - I think if the guy was really that interested in playing and improving LUFC we would have seen him back long before now, for me it shows a) knows he cant play in the PL or b) happy to pick up a paycheck without much effort.
In
1 keeper
1 CB
1 Creative No. 10
1 Striker
Agreed with all the players above.... + we need to pay off those on loan to clubs (or just not playing!) and get rid.
Tyler didn't even play that well for us in the last 2 games.... all he did was improve on his previous anonymous performances!!
Harsh on Coops as he's been a brilliant captain on and off the pitch in the community.... sadly he's unfortunately not going to improve anymore. Hope I'm wrong and he stays knowing he's 5th choice behind Llorente, Koch, Strukij and Koopermeiners....
I have forgotten someone.
Harsh again, but can Klich keep it up to a high standard? It maybe because he has suffered a bit of a burn out, but he’s been off the pace for a while. I think he can do it at this level but I’m a bit 50 / 50 on him TBH.
Out - Forshaw, Hernandez, Berardi, Buoy, Douglas, Dr Bock, Mujica, possibly Alioski (if he doesn't re-sign)
In - Harrison, 1 x expensive CM, possibly 1 x LB
I pretty much agree with all that has been said.
We need a LB, MID, Winger and Striker
Pretty much agree on the players mentioned above.
As regards getting players in, my priority would be to source out a top quality creative midfield general. We don't need someone who can charge around the pitch at 90 mph but someone who uses their head and picks the passes. Added to this, a left back would be the second priority.
Andy, your departures list is pretty much bang on, however, I would add Rodrigo.
At the age of 29 he was purchased for 29million Euros, and is on 100 grand per week for 4 years. A terrible deal for the club! If rumours of a return to Spain are correct, the Club should let him go.
I have my doubts re. Harrison also. Perhaps another loan for 12 months rather than sign for 10/11million pounds.
In: A couple of real quality midfielders and a LB, and we'll be more than OK.
Top four!
Plenty of rumours regarding Rodrigo wanting away. Another 50/50 for me, but an expensive doubt as Harworth has pointed out. Would not worry me if he goes. I’m not 100% sure what his position is within the team and I think the manager is struggling to accommodate him within the system.
Harrison is also a difficult one. Sometimes he’s a match winner, sometimes anonymous.
Rodrigo's start in the team is a bit like Llorente's and Koch's. Injury, no real pre-season & COVID 19 have robbed him of a continious run in the team and I'm not sure we have really seen what he can deliver or indeed worked out his best position in the team. I think the rumours about a return to Spain are more paper talk. Currently on paper, yes the deal looks like another Costa farce, but I'm prepared to give him until the January window ( assuming of course he actually does want to stay) to prove his worth.
As regards Harrison, Man City & Harrison have already pretty much said that this current loan deal will be the last. I have to say that I'm a big fan of his. Yes, he has some real off days but this is more the exception then the rule. In the system we play, he offers an immediate outlet. He is currently 2nd joint top goal scorer with Raphinha and was 3rd in our last season in the Championship. He is still young and learning the trade. In my opinion it would be £11m well spent.
Yep - I think we're all pretty close on our opinions
LB - needed (Perraud or other)
CB - upgrade needed on Klich (dePaul or other)
Winger - that's Harrison signed
GK - older backup to get splinters will do
Rodrigo - jury is out here too. I thought he was Bamford upgrade, but he's not been that. He's displaced Hernandez but he's not a great No10 either. At times though I think he does have a place and he does show glimpses of quality. It's the price & wage for his age that make him an odd fit.
Koch - next season he could be the Phillips cover so don't need to spend big there. Struijk and Llorente first choice CB's
Striker - Greenwood and Gelhardt being touted by Kinnear as 1st team next season. Gives us 2022 to get the £66M together for Haaland :-)
Cooper, Dallas, Ayling are important to keep at ER this summer. They integrate new players into our team, culture, DNA and what it means to wear the famous white shirt. They are more than just a player.
Lots of the U23s may be able to make the step up - Drameh, Cresswell, Casey, Davis, Huggins, Kenneh, Summerville, Geldhart, Greenwood and then there are Struijk, Shackleton, Poveda, McAlmont that can push on further.
Now and into preseason is important for the guys to show they can be part of the first team squad.
Yes, we need a proper LB, a No8, No10 and a winger with pace and possibly a proper striker but we should not forget the kids. Chelsea did and lost Salah and De Bruyne and loads of kids now see going to Germany as offering them the best chance of making it in the game rather than staying at an Elite clubs academy.
At 11M Harrison is a no brainer.
Far all his "shortcomings" he is far more consistent than Costa and a cool 5 or 6Million cheaper.
Rodrigo, you can see he has quality, but in general he's still looking for his role/position in the team. Atm he doesn't look like a 29M GBP player.
Can't see him returing to Spain (lots of teams over there are having financial problems) and can't see us taking a big loss on him either.
We need to give Rodrigo a chance. Lad missed preseason and has been injured for most of this season. Stated to look good then injuries struck. Expect far far more from him next year after a full preseason. You can see the quality he possesses, we just need him to be fully fit to fire.
agree on Rodrigo give him a chance. we should keep some of these guys you want out as squat players. we need a bigger squat for next season.as it has been shown too often that our bench is too thin
Anybody got any idea on contracts? Who is out of contract this summer? Who has a year to go?
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