24 Jan 2026 22:56:35
Come the summer, obviously if we've qualified for Europe, in particular the ECL, we should be better placed to spend big on midfield. I'm wondering though who else in England is going to be thinking of midfield as their priority?

Liverpool? I think they're going to be looking at replacing VVD, Salah and Robertson. They have conceded as many goals as we have. They already have a good midfield grouping even if Slot can't get them functioning at the top-level.

City, again, I think they're going to be seeing defense as a priority. Presumably Rodri will continue as holding midfielder. Bernardo will need to be replaced perhaps and arguably they still haven't found anyone yet to fill de Bruyne's shoes.

Chelsea have a pretty deep midfield with Palmer, Caicedo and Enzo. Will they be up for spending another £80-£100m on another midfielder.

Arsenal, maybe, but they are already stacked everywhere, and may be looking to consolidate for a season.

Villa? Can they afford it and remain within the EUFA 70% squad cost to revenues ratio? They will at least no longer have to pay Sancho.

Anyway, I'm going to remain hopeful that this summer will see us finally acquire a couple of long term midfield stars who will help us return to the top table. Bruno was a good signing, but other than him there hasn't been a top long term signing since well before SAF retired.

1.) 25 Jan 2026
25 Jan 2026 01:19:29
No disrespect but i don't think Villa can compete with us newname. Liverpool may go for Wharton, City i think the links were with Anderson and maybe they are favourites. Arsenal with Rice and Zubimedi are well stocked there and Chelsea too. But i think Elliot Anderson is too good to not be involved and maybe Arsenal try for him, Chelsea i am not so sure because i think these days they buy player in 50-70 million bracket and Anderson will go well above these numpers.

We have our chances and Baleba seems willing to come, i would say we are the favourites, but who knows.

2.) 25 Jan 2026
25 Jan 2026 01:59:36
I think it is Wharton and Baleba to utd
Anderson to city
Liverpool have a few names and may need to focus elsewhere as you noted.

3.) 25 Jan 2026
25 Jan 2026 10:58:10
Anderson is the best one available and we 100% need to push as hard as we can to get him. If we don't have UCL that will be hard. Rumours are City want him and if they do go for him then it'll be hard to win that battle. Our best chance is if Pep leaves City this summer then maybe that might play into Anderson's thoughts when making a decision.

That said if Anderson does go to City and we managed to get both Wharton and Baleba (both of which are rumoured to have their prices dropped from the 100m previously linked to around 70m) then we will have massively upgraded our midfield. While we could still go for someone like Noah Sadiki if we wanted that dynamic and physical box to box player.

If we start next season with midfield options of Mainoo, Baleba, Wharton, and Sadiki then we will have potentially one of the best midfield selections in the league.

4.) 25 Jan 2026
25 Jan 2026 17:29:25
Don't discount Kone for next season too, even as a bit part role.
I think we will, and should, sell Collyer this summer.