I thought we'd been through this?
GK - We need the absolute best available. If not Butland then Rico or Leno....theres also alot more obtainable keepers out there who are 22/23 and top notch now and still improving...fits our profile for signings.
RB -- Holgate is going to follow a similar path to Stones and then Galoway at full back first. Perhaps he is a year away still but then how about Browning, Pennington or perhaps even Kenny? Thats 4 players who could deputise for coleman. This of course excludes Mattioni as well but im sure we'll know more in the summer and its more a question for
@catcherintherye or
@blueloon than me. Id hope Holgate gets some minutes at RB before the season end, same as Galloway last season-- then we can see.
LW -- Im confident on Yarmolenko as its clear Martinez wants him and also we have the money now. No idea if he will end up at LW of course but i doubt we will sign another RW or ACM so i'll put him as a LW and i guess he would rotate. I hope
@bluestevon gets his wish this summer.
DM -- You've posted a lot about Barry being "unique" for his role and i suppose he is. Martinez also said before that when Barry goes we will need to change our playing style, but that was before the new owner came in. Were obviously not signing Busquets nor a mid 20s or late 20s superstar for the role,its going to have to be another player of 30+ or an u23 player.
Niguez is far fetched perhaps but never know till you try, Sergi Roberto probably similar bracket to him now after this season...but dont you think they can perform Barrys duties if they came in as CM players for a season and then learnt and were mentored by Barry? Otherwise Tielemans and Neves are exceptional talents who could be taught as well.
makes sense to get someone like that in now a season before Barry leaves and slowly bring them into the role. But also have them being effective in other positions for 12 months.
CM -- If we have the money and made those 3 signings we should then look at a playmaker. Not essential but gives an option in CM/LW/RW/ACM if needed, perfect for games like WBA.