Why exactly do we need a 33 year old Ilicic, who is pretty much the same player to what we already have? If we just want someone cheap, just go sign Giroud, who is free and would at least fill in a major role as the Ibra backup, who will have to play a ton.
Ilicic is surely, ni matter his age, to Castillejo or Salemakers if you mean him as RWF... And of course an upgrade to Kebab Hakan as AMF. So welcome him anytime... He has penetrative ability, can dribble and create scorong chances by himself,unlike Kebab
(05-20-2021, 11:37 PM)Artan Wrote: [ -> ]Ilicic is surely, ni matter his age, to Castillejo or Salemakers if you mean him as RWF... And of course an upgrade to Kebab Hakan as AMF. So welcome him anytime... He has penetrative ability, can dribble and create scorong chances by himself,unlike Kebab
THIS. Better than Samu and Saele as RW and much better than Hakan as CAM. WOuld be a good pickup for CAM if we can't get De Paul. I still think I'd rather someone younger for RW though.
I don't doubt Ilicic is a better player than Hakan/Samu/Saele, but the guy is 33 already and is probably facing the falling off the cliff year very soon. This is the kind of player that most teams try to get rid of instead of try to acquire. In another year or two, we basically have to replace him again. We should aim younger unless we think Ilicic is someone who is going to guarantee CL for us.
(05-21-2021, 03:22 AM)slifersd Wrote: [ -> ]I don't doubt Ilicic is a better player than Hakan/Samu/Saele, but the guy is 33 already and is probably facing the falling off the cliff year very soon. This is the kind of player that most teams try to get rid of instead of try to acquire. In another year or two, we basically have to replace him again. We should aim younger unless we think Ilicic is someone who is going to guarantee CL for us.
I think he is the sort of player that will help push us to UCL though I don't disagree with you. Just also trying to be realistic. Ilicic will likely be a more realistic target than Berardi as much as I'd love to see him come.
Plus, I'm likely a little different. I would rather see us take another year to make UCL and sign players like Orsolini instead of Ilicic. But realistically we need to get to UCL as quick as possible.
Good, if Castillejo is set to leave, than its better to get Ilicic over Orsolini. We will have Saelemakers as back up there. Added to that, Ilicic is also versatile, can play as AMF and SS if needed. Versatility is also a key factor for us signing players, given injuries, covid, etc. Being 33 shouldn't be a case matter of the fact that we have a pretty inexperienced squad , which needs some older lads to lead. This inconsistency is due to lack of experience IMO.
football-Italia is reporting that Milan are after De Paul, Ilicic and Mikhtarian as alternative to Kebab.
IMO, all of them are upgrades to kebab.
I think Ilicic will be brought as a useful back up as he can cover for both RF and AMC positions.
I'm not convinced someone like Ilicic would be a good signing. He's getting older and this last season is showing signs that he's slowing down compared to previous seasons. Of course he would be an upgrade compared to Castillejo, but who wouldn't?
There aren't any other good and affordable options... Of the three mentioned candidates, de Paul is younger but also more expensive one. If i had to choose between Mikhtarian and Ilicic i would take the later one.. And yes, who would not be upgrade to Castillejo or Hakan speaking of the AMF position.