Who would you buy from potential relegation clubs?

[Blue Roo]

Ake is a superb player and would come with something to prove. He's his national team's first 11 CB with Van Dijk isn't he?

Left footed. Relatively young.

Let's remember that one player's contribution doesn't always correlate with the overall team's performance.

Idrissa Gueye at Villa anyone?

He's back up to Van Dijk and De Ligt (arguably the strongest CB pairing in international football)
He played the full 90 mins in the last Euro qualifier the Dutch played, scoring a goal.
He probably would of played more if Blind wasn't tying down the LB spot as he's wasted on the bench.

Yeah he's only 24 with a good amount of experience for his age.
He knows both the CB and LB roles.
He's not a giant but makes up for it with his leap, a match for anyone.
He's good in set pieces. In form, in a good side, he'd bag 4-6 goals a season. Something we badly need.
The same for pace.

But think what makes him ideal for us is the option to play three at the back.
Ake-Mina-Holgate is a very nicely balanced set up.
Both Ake and Holgate can play the ball out from the back, good with the ball at their feat, good passers, both will get better, esp under Carlo.
They can be a bit more positive and adventurous knowing the other two are covering.
Can play that way left or right.

And Ake can be used as Digne's back up if injured.
I'd spend the money on him rather than trying to get both a CB and LB (taking a punt on a young LB at a good price to maintain depth)
For me he's the type of signing that gets em closer to CL football.

His current form is not really an indicator.
Howe's taken it as far as he can, the other coaches have got his measure.
Howe goes or they squad needs a massive overhaul.
Nothing to do with Ake.

 

[flibbyflob]

I know we wouldn't spend this much, and won't buy these 3, but
but dont you think more like
Cantwell £20m
Mings £30m
Geri £25m

They'd want and get £40m+ for Cantwell.