How can you possibly know this? I dont want us to sign the guy, but you cant make random assumptions like this. Who even 'doesn't like' a language?!
James Rodriguez | joins Bayern Munich | 2 year loan
- Thread starter GM K
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How can you possibly know this? I dont want us to sign the guy, but you cant make random assumptions like this. Who even 'doesn't like' a language?!
The kind of transfer where we should put in a low bid and then move on if Real don't take it. Not a priority, not worth splashing out on and not worth getting mugged yet again.
Probably Valencia as he still can't speak English after living more than 10 years in England but he seems to do just fine
The thing is James actually needs this move to work to stay at the top of the game after spending the last season not getting regular football. It can go tits up like any other move but I think in this case the player has been reported as actually wanting to come here.
Except they were not. Just looking at first 11 there's Navas, Varane, Carvajal, Marcelo, Casemiro - that's half the team.
Here's a player who's been left out in the cold and Real Madrid are in a conundrum with such an expensive player they don't know what to do with. A bit like our Rooney. I don't want us to be the ones to bail them out, and I especially don't want to pay money to extricate them. Stuff them. There are younger and better forwards around. If he really wants to prove himself he should stay and fight for his place. We'd be bonkers to even consider this.
Morata, Rodriguez, Perisic added to our attack would give us 45-50 extra goals. Since we've lost Ibra we are probably adding 20 net goals with those 3 signings. When you look back at this season we've been missing goals from our other players, if Rashford and Lingard had scored 10 extra goals each then we would have been right in the mix for the title and pushed on at the end of the season instead of focusing on the Europa league.
While a lot of people are clamouring for 'big' signings im seeing that our team is simply lacking consistent goalscorers so our transfer strategy should be to get in goalscorers that fit the system in positions where we are lacking.
Rooney and Fellaini are not giving enough goals as no.10s, Lingard and Rashford are not giving enough goals as wide players. So lets get in a no.10 that scores and assists consistently, and a wide player that does the same. Then you get an Ibra replacement, and some depth in midfield and defence and you should be in the mix.
While a lot of people are clamouring for 'big' signings im seeing that our team is simply lacking consistent goalscorers so our transfer strategy should be to get in goalscorers that fit the system in positions where we are lacking.
Rooney and Fellaini are not giving enough goals as no.10s, Lingard and Rashford are not giving enough goals as wide players. So lets get in a no.10 that scores and assists consistently, and a wide player that does the same. Then you get an Ibra replacement, and some depth in midfield and defence and you should be in the mix.
It would be like magic, eh?
I completely agree and hope this nonsense gets put to bed soon as I'm getting bored of seeing it. I've yet to see anyone detail what Pogba can do in a three that he can't in a two, and vice-versa. I mean some of them even think he's a #10!
His game is pretty much exactly the same in either position, and the issue is clearly the players around him.
James and Morata would seriously improve us
Nope, the magic comes from the Manager. Who was Matic before Mourinho? Wasn't Fabregas a Barcelona reject? So that means he's an average player according to the caf since he couldnt make it at Barcelona.
James was a key figure at Real Madrid under Ancelotti scoring 17 goals and getting 15 assists in 2014/15. And he got good numbers in his 1 year with Monaco. As a squad player that gets hardly any minutes he is a consistent contributor in attack under Zidane.
If you want a good no.10 then James is one, and he would be in the same bracket as Eriksen and De Bruyne in this league. I dont know if we are in for James, but i have learnt that Mourinho is one of the best in the world at identifying weaknesses in a team and finding the correct player to fill that weakness. Whoever he is in for, i am confident they will do a good job.
I agree with this, if Mourinho Is going for a certain player then he would know how to utilise him, we already saw that in the last year signings we made. Some people here think James is a poor player, he was the Golden boy in the world cup for heaven's sake.
I think the three man questions are does he want to play for us, can he settle in the premiership and does he fit into our side. Just because he has been warming the bench, there is no doubt he improves us in terms of quality, anybody questioning that really needs to be more realistic about some of our players.
Personally I think he would jump at the chance to join us for game time at another big club and being a bigger fish, but that is just an opinion as is the worry about him settling as not many South Americans do or have for us to be honest, but that is generalising. The biggest thing for me is we just have a lot of number 10s and most for me arent what we need, I would rather more a winger type attacking player than another number 10 but I wouldnt be dissapointed if we signed him. I dont understand why people were mad on Griezmann signing (who never seemed desperate to join us to me at all) but not mad on James signing when he is of very similar quality. Im not fussed either way on either of them personally just because I dont think they are what we need, but they certainly improve us talent wise
Personally I think he would jump at the chance to join us for game time at another big club and being a bigger fish, but that is just an opinion as is the worry about him settling as not many South Americans do or have for us to be honest, but that is generalising. The biggest thing for me is we just have a lot of number 10s and most for me arent what we need, I would rather more a winger type attacking player than another number 10 but I wouldnt be dissapointed if we signed him. I dont understand why people were mad on Griezmann signing (who never seemed desperate to join us to me at all) but not mad on James signing when he is of very similar quality. Im not fussed either way on either of them personally just because I dont think they are what we need, but they certainly improve us talent wise
Yeah, i seem to recall reading something like that. I think the source was marca though, which is basically real's propaganda wing. Real could be trying to sell us the idea that he wants to be here because we pay disproportionately high transfer fees, rather than have him go to inter for a pittance.
Hope so because my hunch now is we might end up signing both.
I really would like James but we shouldn't be paying over 40m for a player that can't even get in Real's squad.
I wouldn't put it beyond those cnuts but its not beyond the realm of possibility that he might actually want the move. I am sure by now he is desperate to get his career back on the ascendency and we are one of a few select clubs that offers him the platform to do that, who have space for him and can pay him comperable wages.
That logic makes no sense. Several of their squad players are better than most of our first team players. Jams Rodriguez being one of them.
Come on now...
A really good article on James for those who don't know him, which seems to be the majority on here.
https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2017/06/06/james-rodriguez-real-madrid-future-transfer-colombia
https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2017/06/06/james-rodriguez-real-madrid-future-transfer-colombia
James Rodriguez better off elsewhere after unsatisfying, but trophy-laden Real Madrid run
LUIS MIGUEL ECHEGARAY
Tuesday June 6th, 2017
This past Sunday, the day after winning the Champions League, Real Madrid was honored at the Santiago Bernabéu by thousands of adoring Madridistas as the Spanish champions celebrated their 12th European title.
It was an overwhelming celebration, where players and coaches partied center stage as the stadium sang La Décima, their famous anthem, which was created after winning the 10th trophy in Lisbon against Atletico in 2014.
Every player was introduced as a superstar, including captain Sergio Ramos, who entered the stage carrying la Orejona (the trophy) and with the club flag wrapped around him as a cape. It was an evening where each member could have his own personal snapshot and remember an incredible accomplishment, surrounded by supporters who experienced it firsthand.
So when James Rodriguez–the 25-year-old Colombian who was completely forgotten by manager Zinedine Zidane and omitted from Saturday’s squad entirely–entered the festivities, he received quite an emotional reception.
When Rodriguez’s name was announced through the speakers, the sound was deafening and as his 4-year-old daughter Salomé admired the reception from the stands, there stood James thanking the fans and applauding their warm reaction.
Perhaps, for one final time.
James’s relationship with Real Madrid has been–for lack of a better word–complicated. Since his debut three years ago, his appearances have deteriorated season after season, partly due to a fracture on his fifth metatarsal in his right foot in 2014, and a muscle tear at the beginning of the 2015-2016 campaign.
But the injuries only tell the part of the story.
If we want to understand why Rodriguez has failed to live up to expectation after a solid first season, then we have to examine how his talents were managed, but more importantly, how he managed himself.
In 2014, Carlo Ancelotti marveled at the offensive arsenal Real Madrid had at its disposal as the three-headed animal of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale also meant the arrival of the 4-3-3 formation.
Consequently, Ancelotti’s tactics forced James to play a more defensive role than he was used to, closer to the midfield, and leave his preferred position of playing higher up the pitch, sitting just behind the striker.
"I hope to play where I feel most comfortable and help the team to win,” he said in November 2014. “I feel more comfortable where I play for Colombia because I like to be closer to the goal; that works better for me. I can score and pass from there but, as a player, I have to be prepared to play in any position."
James was willing to prove his worth, and despite the injuries and the positional tinkering, he was able to produce a strong debut season, accumulating 17 goals and 18 assists in all competitions.
Regardless, things would still not go his way.
Once Zidane arrived halfway through the 2015-2016 season stepping in after Rafa Benitez’s failed tenure, James’s influence faded, as Zidane believed that academy-raised players such Jesé (who was eventually sold, now on loan at Las Palmas from PSG) provided more of what he wanted out of a midfielder. Zidane, having coached Castilla (Real Madrid’s second team) for two years, wanted to introduce more club-bred talent.
Last April, after Zidane failed to use James as a sub in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Manchester City, legendary Colombian Carlos Valderrama spoke out.
“Even if he scores three, four or five goals, Zidane won't put him on," said Valderrama after the match. “I don’t know what he has to do.”
Valderrama was voicing out what many Colombians was feeling. What was Zidane not seeing?
A few months later, Real Madrid was offered €85 million for James from Inter Milan. James, however, refused, as he wanted to prove his worth to Zidane, but last August Real Madrid faced Sevilla in UEFA’s Super Cup, and he was used only as the last substitute, despite the fact that Ronaldo, Bale or Toni Kroos weren’t in the squad. Marco Asensio took his place, started and scored the first goal of a 3-2 victory.
After the game, Zidane answered questions about Rodriguez. “He is a Real Madrid player,” said the Frenchman, “but we have a very large squad. We'll see what happens.”
If you ask many Cafeteros, they will confirm the value of James and what he brings to the team, but more importantly, they will emphasize how manager José Pékerman utilizes his captain for Colombia.
Under Pekerman, James is the focal point, the false nine of a fast-paced, extremely athletic unit, and he has led Colombia to second place in the CONMEBOL qualifying table for the 2018 World Cup. In Colombia's last match, a 2-0 win over Ecuador, he was everywhere, scoring one and setting another.
At 25, he is fourth on the all-time scoring list for his nation with 19 goals and only six behind the leader, Radamel Falcao. To give this a little more context, Falcao–a striker–debuted for Colombia four years before Rodriguez.
"He [Rodriguez] is an essential part of Colombia's system of play," Pekerman said last year. "He's a great footballer and has the qualities we look for–creativity, finds space, creates advantages off the dribble, and provides assists.”
James is an extraordinary talent, but at Real Madrid he is the victim of his own versatility. He is able to deliver and provide the necessary, but in order to get the most out of him, James must be the focal point of the team, and that’s just something that is never going to happen at Real Madrid.
“Something we must remember is that James isn’t perfect–nobody is–and the chemistry between a manager and a star player sometimes doesn’t fit,” says Alejandro Farffann, a well-respected Colombian pundit. “We all remember [Pep] Guardiola’s issues with Samuel Eto'o at Barcelona, so with James and Zidane, this could also be a factor, where they just don’t sync.”
Despite the stumbling blocks, Farffann still believes Rodriguez is a fit for Real Madrid, as there is clear evidence of what he can do.
“You don’t win the [World Cup] Golden Boot just because of happenstance. You don’t become a world-class player just because of chance. James has already proven himself, and what’s more, at 25 he is about to enter the best stage of his career, so there’s more to come from him. But if he goes, then he’s good enough to join a top-five club in Europe. So whether you like him or not, we need to remember that he’s a pure No. 10 and still has a lot to offer.”
Florentino Pérez, Real Madrid’s president, has already stated that his fate is in the hands of his manager, but the reality is that due to Rodriguez’s contract and high wages, a permanent deal to another club might be too pricey, save for a few destinations. Inter Milan is once again said interested–and Manchester United, too, but fitting in a Mourinho tactical scheme may not be the solution, either–and time will tell how it unfolds.
Whether he leaves for good or on a long-term loan deal, it's worth heeding Farffann’s words: James Rodriguez is about the enter his prime, so he needs a team that strategizes around his strengths and doesn't try to fit him in where it won't maximize his abilities.
On Wednesday, Colombia plays against Spain in a friendly as Julen Lopetegui’s squad prepares for a World Cup qualifier against Macedonia, four days later.
For Pekerman & Co., this is nothing more than a warm-up, as CONMEBOL qualifiers don't resume until August and September, when Colombia faces Venezuela and Brazil. But for James, this match against Spain could also be an opportunity to face some of his Real Madrid teammates and show them what they could be missing if he left.
https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2017/06/06/james-rodriguez-real-madrid-future-transfer-colombia
https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2017/06/06/james-rodriguez-real-madrid-future-transfer-colombia
James Rodriguez better off elsewhere after unsatisfying, but trophy-laden Real Madrid run
LUIS MIGUEL ECHEGARAY
Tuesday June 6th, 2017
This past Sunday, the day after winning the Champions League, Real Madrid was honored at the Santiago Bernabéu by thousands of adoring Madridistas as the Spanish champions celebrated their 12th European title.
It was an overwhelming celebration, where players and coaches partied center stage as the stadium sang La Décima, their famous anthem, which was created after winning the 10th trophy in Lisbon against Atletico in 2014.
Every player was introduced as a superstar, including captain Sergio Ramos, who entered the stage carrying la Orejona (the trophy) and with the club flag wrapped around him as a cape. It was an evening where each member could have his own personal snapshot and remember an incredible accomplishment, surrounded by supporters who experienced it firsthand.
So when James Rodriguez–the 25-year-old Colombian who was completely forgotten by manager Zinedine Zidane and omitted from Saturday’s squad entirely–entered the festivities, he received quite an emotional reception.
When Rodriguez’s name was announced through the speakers, the sound was deafening and as his 4-year-old daughter Salomé admired the reception from the stands, there stood James thanking the fans and applauding their warm reaction.
Perhaps, for one final time.
James’s relationship with Real Madrid has been–for lack of a better word–complicated. Since his debut three years ago, his appearances have deteriorated season after season, partly due to a fracture on his fifth metatarsal in his right foot in 2014, and a muscle tear at the beginning of the 2015-2016 campaign.
But the injuries only tell the part of the story.
If we want to understand why Rodriguez has failed to live up to expectation after a solid first season, then we have to examine how his talents were managed, but more importantly, how he managed himself.
In 2014, Carlo Ancelotti marveled at the offensive arsenal Real Madrid had at its disposal as the three-headed animal of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale also meant the arrival of the 4-3-3 formation.
Consequently, Ancelotti’s tactics forced James to play a more defensive role than he was used to, closer to the midfield, and leave his preferred position of playing higher up the pitch, sitting just behind the striker.
"I hope to play where I feel most comfortable and help the team to win,” he said in November 2014. “I feel more comfortable where I play for Colombia because I like to be closer to the goal; that works better for me. I can score and pass from there but, as a player, I have to be prepared to play in any position."
James was willing to prove his worth, and despite the injuries and the positional tinkering, he was able to produce a strong debut season, accumulating 17 goals and 18 assists in all competitions.
Regardless, things would still not go his way.
Once Zidane arrived halfway through the 2015-2016 season stepping in after Rafa Benitez’s failed tenure, James’s influence faded, as Zidane believed that academy-raised players such Jesé (who was eventually sold, now on loan at Las Palmas from PSG) provided more of what he wanted out of a midfielder. Zidane, having coached Castilla (Real Madrid’s second team) for two years, wanted to introduce more club-bred talent.
Last April, after Zidane failed to use James as a sub in the second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Manchester City, legendary Colombian Carlos Valderrama spoke out.
“Even if he scores three, four or five goals, Zidane won't put him on," said Valderrama after the match. “I don’t know what he has to do.”
Valderrama was voicing out what many Colombians was feeling. What was Zidane not seeing?
A few months later, Real Madrid was offered €85 million for James from Inter Milan. James, however, refused, as he wanted to prove his worth to Zidane, but last August Real Madrid faced Sevilla in UEFA’s Super Cup, and he was used only as the last substitute, despite the fact that Ronaldo, Bale or Toni Kroos weren’t in the squad. Marco Asensio took his place, started and scored the first goal of a 3-2 victory.
After the game, Zidane answered questions about Rodriguez. “He is a Real Madrid player,” said the Frenchman, “but we have a very large squad. We'll see what happens.”
If you ask many Cafeteros, they will confirm the value of James and what he brings to the team, but more importantly, they will emphasize how manager José Pékerman utilizes his captain for Colombia.
Under Pekerman, James is the focal point, the false nine of a fast-paced, extremely athletic unit, and he has led Colombia to second place in the CONMEBOL qualifying table for the 2018 World Cup. In Colombia's last match, a 2-0 win over Ecuador, he was everywhere, scoring one and setting another.
At 25, he is fourth on the all-time scoring list for his nation with 19 goals and only six behind the leader, Radamel Falcao. To give this a little more context, Falcao–a striker–debuted for Colombia four years before Rodriguez.
"He [Rodriguez] is an essential part of Colombia's system of play," Pekerman said last year. "He's a great footballer and has the qualities we look for–creativity, finds space, creates advantages off the dribble, and provides assists.”
James is an extraordinary talent, but at Real Madrid he is the victim of his own versatility. He is able to deliver and provide the necessary, but in order to get the most out of him, James must be the focal point of the team, and that’s just something that is never going to happen at Real Madrid.
“Something we must remember is that James isn’t perfect–nobody is–and the chemistry between a manager and a star player sometimes doesn’t fit,” says Alejandro Farffann, a well-respected Colombian pundit. “We all remember [Pep] Guardiola’s issues with Samuel Eto'o at Barcelona, so with James and Zidane, this could also be a factor, where they just don’t sync.”
Despite the stumbling blocks, Farffann still believes Rodriguez is a fit for Real Madrid, as there is clear evidence of what he can do.
“You don’t win the [World Cup] Golden Boot just because of happenstance. You don’t become a world-class player just because of chance. James has already proven himself, and what’s more, at 25 he is about to enter the best stage of his career, so there’s more to come from him. But if he goes, then he’s good enough to join a top-five club in Europe. So whether you like him or not, we need to remember that he’s a pure No. 10 and still has a lot to offer.”
Florentino Pérez, Real Madrid’s president, has already stated that his fate is in the hands of his manager, but the reality is that due to Rodriguez’s contract and high wages, a permanent deal to another club might be too pricey, save for a few destinations. Inter Milan is once again said interested–and Manchester United, too, but fitting in a Mourinho tactical scheme may not be the solution, either–and time will tell how it unfolds.
Whether he leaves for good or on a long-term loan deal, it's worth heeding Farffann’s words: James Rodriguez is about the enter his prime, so he needs a team that strategizes around his strengths and doesn't try to fit him in where it won't maximize his abilities.
On Wednesday, Colombia plays against Spain in a friendly as Julen Lopetegui’s squad prepares for a World Cup qualifier against Macedonia, four days later.
For Pekerman & Co., this is nothing more than a warm-up, as CONMEBOL qualifiers don't resume until August and September, when Colombia faces Venezuela and Brazil. But for James, this match against Spain could also be an opportunity to face some of his Real Madrid teammates and show them what they could be missing if he left.
Hmmm, I fear you might be right. AND whats worse is he is a risk that he might not adapt to the prem. I hold no such fear over Hamez or at least much less anyway
Loan might be an option alright but they do want him off their books. And i expect anything over €40M will be reluctantly accepted in the end. Im sure at that price, the addons will bring it up too a more realistic figure, if that was the case. As i already said, Inter are already above that so if we matched that bid, but in pounds it would be around €50M. I think it might get us home.
Or could it force Real to utter them dredded words. David De Gea...
They obviously don't rate him and obviously don't want him so I don't see why we should be paying over the odds for him. how much did they pay for him in the first place?
Why do people keep using the 'can't get into the Madrid side' argument. It's just plain stupid. It happened to Isco and now all of a sudden he's flavour of the month and one of Zidane's golden boys. Arsenal didn't do too badly by getting one of Barcelona's rejects either. James went to Madrid for about £70m or something but who cares.
Most players who are sold are no longer wanted by their clubs so that is completely irrelevant. We've paid over the odds for players before so he won't be the first and certainly won't be the last.
A great post even if a little onesided in Hamez's favour But i totally agree with the headline and the premise of the post. I chose not to quote the full post due to its size
Yeah, you're missing my point.
I think he's a very good player and I want him. I don't think we should be paying through the nose for somebody they don't even want. He's not going to be cheap but we don't need to be shagged on the deal.
You're missing my point too. We'll only pay what we think he is worth regardless of whether he is wanted by his club or not. We don't have to be held to ransom by any club. It's silly money for average players now and Rodriguez is better than your average player.
Sounds like we agree then
Don't think I want to know the price they're going to be asking for Rodriguez given what they paid for him.
And what they're asking for Morata. They'll want £80m+ for James (from us anyway, for the poor Italian clubs, it'll be half price).
You're probably right.
They angling for a DDG swap!
He dont want to got to you buch of broke fax feckers, now feck off and deal with it.
Hello Torino, its manchester calling, can you hear me, here is the vote of the manchester jury.
Morata: Dix Points,
Belotti: Douze Points
Cue mass celebrations
He dont want to got to you buch of broke fax feckers, now feck off and deal with it.
Hello Torino, its manchester calling, can you hear me, here is the vote of the manchester jury.
Morata: Dix Points,
Belotti: Douze Points
Cue mass celebrations
Okay, I reckon Jose is inclined to favor 4-3-3. Even if he does revert to 10 system he has Mata & Mkhitaryan who can play there. At least we know what Mata can do for us, and I expect Henrikh to be even better next year. With James the only evidence of what he can do is a few meaningless appearances this season in a second string team. We have no idea how that translates to us. Mata can drift out of games when he's strung out on the right, but in a central role he's dangerous, just like James.
I would definitely prefer a young player who can be made into just what we need over time and eventually become a pillar of the team. Whatever it is Jose wants he should get, but I don't know it. I can only speak of what I want. I'd prefer any number of young attackers to James. You say that James & Morata would come to score some incredible number of extra goals, over and above what Zlatan, Mata and Mkhitaryan were able to manage, and of course it couldn't just happen by magic. You said if Rashford and Lingard could have managed 10 goals more apiece we could challenge. Maybe with a more mobile midfield behind them they can. Maybe if James and Morata could manage another 10 goals apiece they would be part of Real Madrid's first team. There are plenty of other options without having to resort to helping Real Madrid unload players that aren't fitting in to a much more functional team than ours.
I think James is a gamble worth taking as he is still a special player who can create goals out of nothing especially with his strong left foot. He suits Jose's system which depended much on individual brilliance in final third.
Jose doesnt favour 4-3-3, he discarded Mata for Oscar who is not as technically gifted but fits the correct profile for his no.10 (Mata is too limited as a no.10 and defensively, a 'luxury' player), Mkhitaryan is not a no.10 in anyone's eyes except fans (his fantastic season with dortmund was as a wide forward).
Virtually everything youve said in the post ignores the facts regarding the manager and quality of players at the team. Instead you've decided to act as if you are the manager and created your own version of reality. Perisic gives you 15-20 goals/assists Rodriguez gives you 20+ goals/assists, Morata gives you 20+ goals and assists and if he pushes on he might be able to reach Zlatan's level (i would prefer Lukaku but Morata is ok). These aren't fantasy situations they are figures that these players have gotten and with James and Perisic have gotten at every club where they are given regular minutes.
Lingard and Rashford scoring barely any goals has nothing to do with an immobile midfield; they have fluffed countless 1-on-1 situations that any attacker of high quality should be putting away. Both seem to be able to score spectacular goals but cant do the basics well. Lingard is not good enough period, and Rashford is not good enough yet. Real Madrid are above us to the point that you can upgrade our team by taking their bench players.
Lingard, Fellaini, Rashford, Rooney (now) and Carrick (now) should be nowhere near the 1st team if you want to be at the top of the table. Yet all 5 have played prominent roles in our team over stretches of the season. These players need to be demoted in the team for better players. James is better than Rooney and Fellaini combined, it seems we are in for a replacement for Carrick (ie. Fabinho) and Perisic is better than Lingard and Rashford combined. Morata is obviously an Ibra replacement but he is not as good as Ibra, which is not a huge problem because we would be upgrading other areas, Lukaku is a better replacement but his pricetag might be too high.
I agree with this. I don't know how people don't want James but wants Tollisso or Eriksen when they both are worse than James. I doubt both of them at the moment can do better than James in Real.
But the issue of me with James is that his best position is no 10. While player like Griezmann can perform in top level as a striker and no 10 and Sanchez can perform in top level as a striker and winger. Pretty much cover two position while with James we still need to sign another 2 position (winger and striker).
You say that I ignore reality, and you point to these extra quality goals that Perisic and James will bring, but Mkhitaryan was German player of the year and he didn't even bring those in his first season. What makes you think they're better than him?
I don't see why Rooney is part of your argument. He's already fallen below first xi. status. Fellaini is a midfielder so I don't see how he comes into it either. But since you mentioned him, I suggest he played very well and established himself as first xi. starter. Of course I would like to sign an alternative to Fellaini, not because I think he's rubbish, but because he's not the most mobile attacking midfielder around, therefore he's not an ideal first choice option. Herrera played as the #6, Pogba was the b2b, and Fellaini was the most advanced midfielder, and the one that ideally needs to be upgraded the most. Whether Jose prefers 4-3-3 I don't know, but that's where it's at.
Forward options: Rashford, Mata, Mkhitaryan, Lingard, Martial and Zlatan if he recovers well. We need a striker to take a leadership role in the absence of Zlatan and take the responsibility to lead the attack. I'm not sure a bench player from another team, even from Real Madrid, will cut the mustard. Belotti maybe. He's a leader of his team and still young. Aubameyang too. I just don't see how spending money at Perisic, Morata and James would upgrade what we already have at all.
We are in need of more quality for No.10 and striker position.
James and Morata are quality players even if they are currently not starting XI players for Madrid. It's not because they are crap or average but because they've got better players ahead of them.
People who say we mustn't overpay or get shafted for their rejects don't understand the power equation here.
Madrid doesn't have to sell for Money just like we don't have to sell DDG.
However unlike them, we don't already have a more than decent player that we can be content with if the transfer doesn't happen. The've already got Navas, who've we got if we pass up on James and Morata ? Wayne fecking Rooney and Zlatan on crutches.
I'm not saying we should just pay the asking price without thinking or looking for alternatives, but to pass up on them because they are 10 -15 million above our valuation, would be naive.
James and Morata are quality players even if they are currently not starting XI players for Madrid. It's not because they are crap or average but because they've got better players ahead of them.
People who say we mustn't overpay or get shafted for their rejects don't understand the power equation here.
Madrid doesn't have to sell for Money just like we don't have to sell DDG.
However unlike them, we don't already have a more than decent player that we can be content with if the transfer doesn't happen. The've already got Navas, who've we got if we pass up on James and Morata ? Wayne fecking Rooney and Zlatan on crutches.
I'm not saying we should just pay the asking price without thinking or looking for alternatives, but to pass up on them because they are 10 -15 million above our valuation, would be naive.
Our wide options are Lingard, Rashford, Martial, Mata, Mkhitaryan. Only Mata and Mkhitaryan have the attacking and defensive output to be a wide player. Lingard offers nothing in attack, Martial offers nothing in defense, Rashford is too young to judge. Perisic is an upgrade on Lingard, Martial and Rashford.
Mata and Mkhitaryan are not number 10s under Mourinho, they are pushed off the ball too easily. They have only sparingly played in the no.10 position this season. Therefore our options at no.10/most advanced midfieler are Fellaini and Rooney. The fact that Rooney has been relegated to the bench is a HUGE problem because you are missing one of the key pieces in the attack; a player that will regularly score and assist from advanced positions. Eriksen, De Bruyne, Coutinho all play a vital role in the attacking phase for their teams. James is a massive upgrade on both Fellaini and Rooney.
Morata is a downgrade on Ibra, Lukaku and Belotti are better but more expensive. That decision will be up to the Manager and Woodward on whether to pay more money.
You don't see how they would upgrade our team because you seem to be ignoring how completely awful Lingard, Rashford and Martial have been. This is common amongst fans because they want to view certain players as special snowflakes that should never be criticized, especially if they are part of some long-term dream team Manchester United project in their heads.
What
???One of the most ridiculous things I've read. That is some weird logic.- Status