Class player but too old at 32?
Manuel Akanji is a player and could be the CB needed to push us to the next level. Him and Godfrey as a CB pairing would be dreamy and we could play a higher line for sure.
I don't know why as every time I've watched him play he's been below par, but I like the look of Dahoud. Maybe it's the small socks vibes
Sorry about that
I do think we are lacking a proper first choice CB from that bunch. The big ball winning unit who commands the back four and midfield. The Ramos, the Thiago Silva, the Dias. The guy who you play every game of the year and who takes you to the next level. Don't think Keane or Mina are that guy unfortch.
I would have thought that one would get the CB and the GK last - they complete the puzzle, and I actually think there are more pressing areas to recruit to (ST, RB, CM)... but if a CB were to become available, would you?
Please no "you don't think GK is a priority?" responses
I'd move on everyone not listed:
GK: Pickford / Virginia
RB:
RCB: Mina / Holgate
LCB: Godfrey / Keane / Branthwaite
LB: Digne / Nkounkou
CM: Allan / Davies
CM : Doucoure / Onyango / Gbamin
CM: Sigurdsson / Gomes
RF: James / Iwobi
CF: DCL / Kean
LF: Richarlison / King / Gordon
Thats 23 players
GK: We need a first choice to come in. If we get Europe then i'd probably keep Pickford and rotate both for a season as the new keeper will likely be from overseas so could need to settle in.
RB: We need a first choice with Holgate to cover (he can cover across defence)
RCB: Find another prospect like Branthwaite or an experienced player 30+.
LCB: Sell Keane and promote Branthwaite behind Godfrey.
CM: Move James centrally and sign another midfielder in place of Gomes/Sigurdsson.
RF: Sell Iwobi and sign a top starter so James can switch centrally.
CF: Make a decision on Kean if a big bid comes in.
GK: ??? / Pickford / Virginia
RB: ??? / Holgate
RCB: Mina / ???
LCB: Godfrey / Branthwaite
LB: Digne / Nkounkou
CM: Allan / Davies / Gbamin
CM: Doucoure / Onyango
CM: James / ???
RF: ??? / King
CF: DCL / Kean
LF: Richarlison / Gordon
From sales we'd probably fetch £100mil.
If we manage top 4 id go for Donnarumma and Ramos on frees -- see if Ancelotti can bring them into the fold.
Also id try for Bellingham from Dortmund if they are open to sell. He'll be a top player.
Right back and and right forward also needed.
Without top 4 there would be less upgrades as we wouldnt have much chance of Donnarumma or Ramos (however unlikely anyway).