05 Feb 2024 03:40:56
Ed, just wondering what midfielders we are looking at/ interested in for the summer? Thanks in advance.

{Ed002's Note - Certainly a DM player to replace Casemiro and a CM/DM player as a full time replacement for Amrabat - but much could change from the names previously provided with a change of staff.}

1.) 05 Feb 2024
05 Feb 2024 09:49:05
Ed, do you know if there is much truth in the rumour about Morten Hjulmand from Sporting Lisbon?

{Ed002's Note - Morten Hjulmand (DM/CM) Arrived from Lecce in the summer of 2023 - not available unless an offer that meets his huge release clause is made - and even then the player may not be interested in a move so soon after joinung. Arsenal are looking at Elneny and Jorginho leaving as Free Agents in the summer and have sent scouts. He is also seen as an option for Manchester United but currently not first choice.}

2.) 05 Feb 2024
05 Feb 2024 12:10:06
Joao Palhinha hopefully one we are looking at.

3.) 05 Feb 2024
05 Feb 2024 14:40:29
Palhinha too old for the fee we need to look at younger players and build a team.

Shame Vermeeren went to atletico would have been a good addition.

4.) 06 Feb 2024
06 Feb 2024 07:57:08
Yes at the grand old age of 28 he should consider retirement.

5.) 07 Feb 2024
07 Feb 2024 13:00:06
DSG, 28 for a footballer is obviously not old. Yet if we are honest we need 2-3 seasons to rebuild our squad before we are truly able to compete at the highest level.

At which point Palhinha will be the same age Casemiro is now, the player he would be replacing.

We need to think longer term than the next 2-3 years. We need players who'll be entering their peak in 2-3 years, if we want to have a team ready to compete at that time.

I like Palhinha as a player, but I don't think he's an elite level player. Great work rate and does a lot of really good work defensively/ off the ball. But he does lack in dynamism, pace and his passing is too limited (safe) . I don't think he's rounded enough to be a regular at a top club challenging for major honours. He'd be great for a Europa League level, or a UCL club that aren't expected to make the knockout rounds regularly. But for those side expecting to win league titles and challenge for the UCL every year he'd be a squad player. We need to move away from signing players with limited potential for quick fixes.