There is no time to replace Kessie. He is very important to this team. At the moment, probably the most improtant player. He is the engine. He knows his role, sticks to it, and is very very consistent in all matches (vs relegation teams and in big derbies). It sucks, but we should just give him the renewal. We will not be sorry, because after some solid CL performances and a repeat in Serie A...Kessie will be worth 60/70+M to a PL club. I'm not saying we should sign a renewal just to sell him. But we will have a cushion and if this salary is too big for us, then we would be able to bank next summer.
It also gives us another year to work on Tonali while having the Benna-Kessie duo as first choices. I honestly think that Tonali is a better Kessie replacement, then a Bennacer replacement. Bennacer-Tonali is a balanced duo just like Bennacer-Kessie. Tonali just needs a bit more time. I am very confident he will turn a new and better leaf this season. He has all the tools. He is actually more dynamic then Kessie and offers more in the attacking half. No...in no way am I suggesting he's the better player right now. I'm just saying that there is a good, very very good platform for him to build on. And in a year, he may be ready to take over....which would mean that losing Kessie won't be such a big deal.
It also gives us another year to work on Tonali while having the Benna-Kessie duo as first choices. I honestly think that Tonali is a better Kessie replacement, then a Bennacer replacement. Bennacer-Tonali is a balanced duo just like Bennacer-Kessie. Tonali just needs a bit more time. I am very confident he will turn a new and better leaf this season. He has all the tools. He is actually more dynamic then Kessie and offers more in the attacking half. No...in no way am I suggesting he's the better player right now. I'm just saying that there is a good, very very good platform for him to build on. And in a year, he may be ready to take over....which would mean that losing Kessie won't be such a big deal.