My two cents on the mercato:
Despite the 80M or 100M budget number being quoted by the media, we do have a number of holes on the roster and would not be able to fill all of them with expensive signings. As such, I think it is best we look for bargains and diamonds in the rough in some areas and focus our investment in one or two key signings. If we think Dumfries, Emerson or Aurier can solve our RB problem for good, then by all means invest in them. But if all they are is a slight upgrade over Conti, then investing 20M+ on them is foolish and a waste of resources. We are better off signing a bridge RB (maybe loan Odriozolla from Real) or hope Conti recovers his form while healthy and save the money for a right winger. Frankly speaking, of all the players we have been linked with so far, I would be hesitant on putting heavy investment in any of them. Guys like Miranchuk, Deulofeu, Scamacca, Milenkovic or Aurier are all fine additions to the team if they come cheap. But spending 20M+ on any of them is not remotely worse it for a team that doesn't have an endless supply of cash to waste.
You got a point...but just remember, we were saying the same thing about the LB situation last season and Theo completely transformed our left flank. I remember converstions last year where we were saying it would be great to upgrade the LB, but not a total necessity since we had RR (who improved under Rino actually).
Anyway, I think we need 2 starters. RB and RW/RF. The rest of the transfers should be to bolster the squad quality in general. I don't think this is impossible to do with 80-100mil. If we are limited, I would actually use that money for those 2 players, while getting the "bridge" players you mentioned to add quality in the rotation. As an example, I'd rather get a quality starting RB, and get a "bridge" player as backup to Kessie/Theo/etc. I would not get "bridge" players to be starters.
It will be an interesting year cause Maldini staying is a sign of 'quick' project but money will not be available for that quickness, same reason Leo left. But at the same time CL is a must. Management are relying on the form continuing with a few added players.
(08-06-2020, 11:23 PM)reza Wrote: It will be an interesting year cause Maldini staying is a sign of 'quick' project but money will not be available for that quickness, same reason Leo left. But at the same time CL is a must. Management are relying on the form continuing with a few added players.
Leo left because he want money to buy all the greatest players.
Boban like experienced players which have high salaries.
Maldini like to go for those value for money type of players so only Maldini can do the job of buying decent players for low budget. Its tough doing transfer for our team, we want all the best players but don't have the money for it.
If we want to make a transfer plan, IMO we have to address our current condition of our team, next season's minimum goal and club's financial capability. After Covid-19 break, our forms were outstanding, probably the best or second behind Atalanta. I think, this is the starting point if we want to talk about our transfer plan. If we keep our form, could we achieve our lowest goal (it should be CL spot)? Yes, we definitely could. Those kind of forms could also lead to Scudetto. There was similar situation like we have now, collecting a lot of points in the second half of the season like the one with Gattuso's first season with Milan IIRC. What makes different is that the games we won, we conquest them convincingly not by one goal or lucky 3-point. We were not inferior to the big clubs, moreover we got 3 points against almost all strong Serie A teams. We also did not suffer to make a goal versus small teams who usually apply tight defense. In addition, we won those games with many goals. We have not experienced such kind of results for at least a decade. So, keeping the good forms of the lads should be our ultimate plan in this transfer window.
Maintaining our top form is not an easy job. We would face many challenges. If the stadiums are open for spectators, the pressure on players' shoulder raises. Our ultimate problem in the last couple of years is player's mentality. It needs to be seen if our players could beat the atmosphere of the games. If the players could keep their attitude, other problem could appear. Our team consist of a lot of young players who would have ups and downs in their performance. Our core of the play, the pivots, are quite young. Kessie is 23 yo while Bennacer is only 22 yo. Unfortunately, these positions have no genuine and reliable backups. Krunic is not an anchor while others are offensive midfielders. We certainly need one player to cover both Kessie and Bennacer. Like has been said by many people here, the player should have the quality to bench one of our current DMs if their form drop. Seeing our financial capability, the type of Bennacer's or Theo's last season is welcome. A talented player but not inexperience one that costs around 15-25 mil euros corresponds to our ability. Therefore, a midfielder for our central midfield is a must.
Our biggest improvement in our series of wins last season was the defense especially the CB's duo, Romagnoli and Kjaer. As I have said before, if one of the defender miss games, we could replace him. Gabbia has been done relatively good job but again he is so young. I am worried if Gabbia to be our starter in defense in important games or in an uneasy situation like when the team form are declining. Though we still have backups here. Musacchio is experienced player and there is also Duarte. The difficulties might appear if both our starting central defenders could not play since Musacchio has shown so many shaky performance since he arrived in Milan while Duarte is still in question-mark with regard of his reliability. A reliable defender should be our second priority. He should have strong mentality, a player who doesn't need to be guided when he has to replace one of our center-backs. However, I am afraid that we need to sell one of our current players before we can buy new one since already have 6 players for CB position (if we include Kalulu).
Beside central-midfield and center-back, forward department could need new player. After the departure of Bonnaventura, we might need one offensive midfielder or a striker as backup for the four positions upfront. We only have 7 players for 4 positions. If Ibra could not play for example, only two players would be available as subs which are Paqueta and Saelemakers (assumption: Leo, Rebic, Hakan and Castillejo play). Laxalt might be forced to play on the left wing but the quality on the left side could sink significantly. For fullbacks, we have enough players. A lot of fans want to recruit right fullback. The fact is our right fullback is not a major problem for us. It indeed could be considerably improved but it should not be a priority. If we have enough money for that (after selling Calabria for example), I don't see why we should not buy reliable right fullback as it could extensively improve our quality.
So, based on club's target and economic point of view one central midfielder and one center-back should be our top priority in this transfer window and an attacking midfielder or a striker is suggested to be bought if we plan to continue our last season's top form. A reliable right fullback is a bonus.
"When Costacurta and Maldini won they didn't celebrate much. They were thinking about winning the next game" - Alessandro Nesta
(08-06-2020, 06:41 AM)Siregar Wrote: There is rumour that Bakayoko is for sale. I don't know when his contracts but seeing only Milan might put interest on him, we could bring him for cheap like 15 mil or max 20 mil euros. The problem I do think is his wage. I am not sure if he will accept wage around 2 mil euros.
I heard we could likely get him for 20m in which case i would take him... IF he dropped his wage significantly.
(08-06-2020, 02:17 PM)nefremo Wrote: Attack has Ibra, Rebic, Leao, Castillejo and Saelemaekers. I would add Depay to this and be done with it. Unless 1 of Samu/Saele leaves, we're not getting a right sided player. By adding Depay, we are solving all the issues with just 1 purchase. Depay can play with Ibra and he can play instead of Ibra (since Ibra drops deep and acts as a false 9/AM many times). Depay can also play on the left (not as a winger, but as a left sided CF/AM/SS) and this allows us to use Rebic/Leao on the right side. He can even slot in for Hakan (less of a midfielder compared to Hakan, but more of a SS).
So yea....1 player. I'd go for that option and use the rest of the funds for a RB and CM options.
Depay would be an amazing pickup. Especially for the rumoured 20-25m.
(08-06-2020, 03:50 PM)Sleeping Giant Wrote: The profile of Gerard Deulofeu does not attract interest in the AC Milan management. The Rossoneri focus on other names. (CorSport)
Milan had already asked for Jovic on loan in January, now he seems close to Monaco. However, the Rossoneri remain interested and have the right card: Rafael Leao, who seems to attract Real Madrid's interest. (Mediaset)
Milan could enter negotiations with Sassuolo over Boga. Sassuolo values him around 35M€. Milan will try to lower the cash figure by inserting some technical counterparts like Tommaso Pobega. Sassuolo has been monitoring Pobega lately. (SerieBnews)
Wigan's Antonee Robinson is available for a fee of around €3M. (Tuttosport)
Atalanta values Pessina at €20M. Maldini values him at €12M so he'd like to sign him for €6M. There is an important gap between both valuations and an agreement would be hard to reach. Pessina gives priority to AC Milan. (GDS)
Thank God!
I wouldn't swap the two unless they gave us the right $$ Plus Jovic on loan with a cheap option.
Wouldn't pay 35 for Boga. Not sure I'd pay 25. The only Sassuolo player I'd take at the moment is Berardi.
3m for a young backup is cheap..
10m for a player who will likely sit on the bench because he's not good enough? Better to Keep Krunic instead and pocket 50% of the fee we get if Pessina is sold.
(08-06-2020, 10:52 PM)nefremo Wrote: You got a point...but just remember, we were saying the same thing about the LB situation last season and Theo completely transformed our left flank. I remember converstions last year where we were saying it would be great to upgrade the LB, but not a total necessity since we had RR (who improved under Rino actually).
Anyway, I think we need 2 starters. RB and RW/RF. The rest of the transfers should be to bolster the squad quality in general. I don't think this is impossible to do with 80-100mil. If we are limited, I would actually use that money for those 2 players, while getting the "bridge" players you mentioned to add quality in the rotation. As an example, I'd rather get a quality starting RB, and get a "bridge" player as backup to Kessie/Theo/etc. I would not get "bridge" players to be starters.
There's no reason why we couldn't do this with 80-100m. Just means we can't do stupid things like spend top $$ on maybe players just because they're young
(08-06-2020, 11:23 PM)reza Wrote: It will be an interesting year cause Maldini staying is a sign of 'quick' project but money will not be available for that quickness, same reason Leo left. But at the same time CL is a must. Management are relying on the form continuing with a few added players.
I'm not sure I agree with this sentiment. Look at the players Maldini and Boban brought in.
it seemed more like they wanted both at the same time. To be successful as soon as possible while also building for the future.
While Rangnick was more looking only long term which seemed to fit what Gazidis wanted.
Potentially unpopular opinion.
I think we should cash in on Hakan and Kessie. pulling on their post Covid form to get some decent cash.
Use the $$$ to get someone better in CAM and someone more versatile in CM. IF we can get 30-35 for Kessie and replace him with Bakayoko at 20m(rumours) and use the 10-15m profit to cover some of the wage difference and the rest goes into our money to spend.
Then we could use the Hakan money to go for a Depay.
In Theory, we've upgraded part of the team and haven't touched our budget. We'd then have 80-100m to pickup a starting CAM, RB, and add some depth to CM, ST, and maybe CB if the money allows.
I used to agree with the Hakan and Kessie sales, but we are really close to CL. You know how that inflates values. Hakan feeds off Ibra like Noce. Sell after we make CL. For now if we can get a great RW and great RB, we are set. I mean drop 100 between the two great.
Leao and Rebic can be vice Ibra well enough. Even CB we are ok for now as we have a ton of coverage. In fact we need to off load either Musacchio or Duarte.
I think our biggest mistake would be making a lot of changes. We have deficiencies but a lot of young players to only get better. I’m counting Pacqueta in that group. I think he may be Able to adapt to that double pivot role with Bennacer.
(08-07-2020, 03:09 AM)porcho Wrote: I'm not sure I agree with this sentiment. Look at the players Maldini and Boban brought in.
it seemed more like they wanted both at the same time. To be successful as soon as possible while also building for the future.
While Rangnick was more looking only long term which seemed to fit what Gazidis wanted.
Potentially unpopular opinion.
I think we should cash in on Hakan and Kessie. pulling on their post Covid form to get some decent cash.
Use the $$$ to get someone better in CAM and someone more versatile in CM. IF we can get 30-35 for Kessie and replace him with Bakayoko at 20m(rumours) and use the 10-15m profit to cover some of the wage difference and the rest goes into our money to spend.
Then we could use the Hakan money to go for a Depay.
In Theory, we've upgraded part of the team and haven't touched our budget. We'd then have 80-100m to pickup a starting CAM, RB, and add some depth to CM, ST, and maybe CB if the money allows.
I don't agree on selling Kessie and Hakan, we need results as soon as possible and whoever that come only has 1 month to get ready. I won't sell any of the starters, the team is doing well at the moment, we need to beef up the squad for next season instead of trimming down.
(08-07-2020, 01:40 AM)Siregar Wrote: If we want to make a transfer plan, IMO we have to address our current condition of our team, next season's minimum goal and club's financial capability. After Covid-19 break, our forms were outstanding, probably the best or second behind Atalanta. I think, this is the starting point if we want to talk about our transfer plan. If we keep our form, could we achieve our lowest goal (it should be CL spot)? Yes, we definitely could. Those kind of forms could also lead to Scudetto. There was similar situation like we have now, collecting a lot of points in the second half of the season like the one with Gattuso's first season with Milan IIRC. What makes different is that the games we won, we conquest them convincingly not by one goal or lucky 3-point. We were not inferior to the big clubs, moreover we got 3 points against almost all strong Serie A teams. We also did not suffer to make a goal versus small teams who usually apply tight defense. In addition, we won those games with many goals. We have not experienced such kind of results for at least a decade. So, keeping the good forms of the lads should be our ultimate plan in this transfer window.
Maintaining our top form is not an easy job. We would face many challenges. If the stadiums are open for spectators, the pressure on players' shoulder raises. Our ultimate problem in the last couple of years is player's mentality. It needs to be seen if our players could beat the atmosphere of the games. If the players could keep their attitude, other problem could appear. Our team consist of a lot of young players who would have ups and downs in their performance. Our core of the play, the pivots, are quite young. Kessie is 23 yo while Bennacer is only 22 yo. Unfortunately, these positions have no genuine and reliable backups. Krunic is not an anchor while others are offensive midfielders. We certainly need one player to cover both Kessie and Bennacer. Like has been said by many people here, the player should have the quality to bench one of our current DMs if their form drop. Seeing our financial capability, the type of Bennacer's or Theo's last season is welcome. A talented player but not inexperience one that costs around 15-25 mil euros corresponds to our ability. Therefore, a midfielder for our central midfield is a must.
Our biggest improvement in our series of wins last season was the defense especially the CB's duo, Romagnoli and Kjaer. As I have said before, if one of the defender miss games, we could replace him. Gabbia has been done relatively good job but again he is so young. I am worried if Gabbia to be our starter in defense in important games or in an uneasy situation like when the team form are declining. Though we still have backups here. Musacchio is experienced player and there is also Duarte. The difficulties might appear if both our starting central defenders could not play since Musacchio has shown so many shaky performance since he arrived in Milan while Duarte is still in question-mark with regard of his reliability. A reliable defender should be our second priority. He should have strong mentality, a player who doesn't need to be guided when he has to replace one of our center-backs. However, I am afraid that we need to sell one of our current players before we can buy new one since already have 6 players for CB position (if we include Kalulu).
Beside central-midfield and center-back, forward department could need new player. After the departure of Bonnaventura, we might need one offensive midfielder or a striker as backup for the four positions upfront. We only have 7 players for 4 positions. If Ibra could not play for example, only two players would be available as subs which are Paqueta and Saelemakers (assumption: Leo, Rebic, Hakan and Castillejo play). Laxalt might be forced to play on the left wing but the quality on the left side could sink significantly. For fullbacks, we have enough players. A lot of fans want to recruit right fullback. The fact is our right fullback is not a major problem for us. It indeed could be considerably improved but it should not be a priority. If we have enough money for that (after selling Calabria for example), I don't see why we should not buy reliable right fullback as it could extensively improve our quality.
So, based on club's target and economic point of view one central midfielder and one center-back should be our top priority in this transfer window and an attacking midfielder or a striker is suggested to be bought if we plan to continue our last season's top form. A reliable right fullback is a bonus.
I agree with the priority but RB is a issue that need fixing as well so I would like 4 players for that 4 positions. We can trim down the squad later.
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