Our own however, I just don’t understand; to ramble a little, the reliable Duncan Castles assured us that left-back was our priority at the start of the summer, and that we were far along in talks for Alex Sandro - Tierney a back up - with Juventus not exactly asking for an exorbitant fee. Midway through the summer however that dropped off the radar as Mourinho suddenly 180’d and Ashley Young became a top notch attacking full back with Luke Shaw a sure thing to get fit at his 32nd attempt. We then seem to have fumbled around for a centre back in Alderweireld but Levy – shockingly – asked for a fee that was not at our preferred mate’s rate discount of £50m, and that’s where all reliable reports of our centre back pursuit ended. It was previously widely communicated that after the Sanchez signing another attacker would not come unless Martial left, but this seemed to fly out the window after Bale’s Champions League final revelations, Woodward deciding to wait on him like the loyal retriever, clearly taking heart from Bale being so keen to come that he waited until the first day of Real Madrid's pre-season to have his urgent post-Champions League final chat with Lopetegui. Seems we’ve been knocked back on that too. We’re now briefing the press that we’re
refusing to panic whilst simultaneously planting nonsense leaks about
Lewandowski and Thiago, with Mourinho openly stating that he’s worried. I’m not sure we even have viable back ups to Alderweireld and Bale.
Ever since Thiago and Strootman it's felt like Woodward & co were allowing themselves to be blown around in the market breeze rather than strategically cutting their way through it, though I’m not sure whether this is just my perception?
I think it's pretty simple.
After last Summer we failed to get Perisic so our priority was an attacking player. I think Mourinho was comfortable with the RB position with Valencia and for LB was willing to give Shaw another chance knowing he had the likes of Darmian, Rojo, Young, Blind who could also play in that position.
Going into December I think Mourinho had given up on Shaw so saw LB as a priority. He also knew we were still desperate for an attacker, wanted a young RB as a successor to the aging Valencia and that if Fellaini left (along with Carrick) we'd need two central midfielders. That formed his five prospective Summer signings.
Since that date we secured one of the best attacking players in the league in Sanchez. We secured Mourinho's top target to replace Carrick in Fred. We secured Mourinho's top target for a young right back to hopefully succeed Valencia in Dalot & Fellaini re-signed which I think in Mourinho's mind leaves him comfortable in midfield (Herrera, Pogba, Fred, Matic, Fellaini are 5 players into 2.5 positions). Since that date (whether fans like it or not) he's also seen an improvement in Young that no-one expected. Young has pushed Rose out of the England LB position and performed well for United which in my view has caused Mourinho to realise we aren't
desperate for a left back this Summer.
I believe Mourinho is now absolutely open to signing a LB, but is looking for 100% the right player at the right price. I think the idea of Rose is dead and buried due to his poor season. I think he's uncertain regarding Sandro given his somewhat poor season, especially at the €50+m prices quoted towards the start of the window (it doesn't surprise me that Juventus are now briefing a lower price to entice us back in). Likewise I think he feels it's a season too early for the likes of Sessegnon (whose committed to Fulham next season) or Tierney (whose reportedly committed to Celtic). With the reduction in expenditure required due to Fellaini/Sanchez I believe Mourinho has then looked at the next area of the squad that he wants to improve (central defense), which again he'll only do for the right player at the right price. I imagine if we're interested in Alderweireld we're waiting for the annual "Levy panic" at the end of the window where he realises he isn't going to get £60m for a £40m player and begins to actually negotiate in good faith in order to recoup the money he's spent.
I think the Sandro deal could still go through at the right price and believe if this happens Mourinho will be perfectly happy with his squad. Likewise I think Alderweireld could possibly happen if Spurs have to balance the books, dependent on their spend. This was always going to be deadline day though. I think the only thing Mourinho didn't legislate for is the quantity of his players getting so far in the World Cup. Never did he believe Jones, Lingard, Young & Rashford, Pogba, Lukaku & Fellaini would get to the semi's (with Lindelof & Fred in the QF).
I think the reason fans are confused is because they don't see Mourinho as being here long term so they believe he's only planning short term. My view is very different. I believe Mourinho feels he's at the first big club in his career who will show him the loyalty to allow him to build a squad. Therefore he'd prefer not to spend €50m on the gamble of Sandro and would prefer to stick with Young and monitor more exciting younger players. In my view he's looking for the right players, rather than the players who're merely available. If that means saving £100m of his budget this season and getting Alderweireld/Tierney for £55m combined next Summer, along with a truly world class attacker next season then he'd see it as a better option.
You may disagree of course.
Okay
