With this season coming to a close the FA Cup Final we are now looking forward to next season and how we can strengthen the squad and really challenge for the title once again. I am going to break down who I think our transfer targets are and not be like "ZOMG we are signing NEYMAR, BALE AND RONALDO!". I was to be as objective as possible and really dig deep into the transfer rumours.
Firstly I would like to identify our problem area's and where I think we should strengthen:
Left Back
This is a position we are have been crying out for a strong replacement since Paddy Evra left us. We are now stuck with a 33yr old former winger in the position and ok Young did a fantastic job there at times but he is lacking the legs to get up and down that wing we badly need a young, fast, tricky Left Back.
Right Back
Although Tony Valencia has really changed his game and adapted to the position he is 33years of age and hasn't rounded a fullback since 2012, along with the fact he cannot cross his legs :(
CDM
Matic had a great start to the season but he too is also not getting any younger and has been caught out a few times this season either flat footed or not tracking danger men into the box. We need a young, hard hitting take no shit Defensive Midfielder.
Right Wing
I love Mata, I think he is the Spanish Wizard. A modern day Gandalf, but the fact of the matter is he is not a Right Winger, he is 5ft nothing and always comes inside and can be read like a book. We need a strong, fast, pacy winger that can get down the by line and really whip dangerous balls into the box.
Centre Back
Although the is the one position we have plenty of choice we can't seem to get a pair that can stay fit. Smalling and Jones are constantly injured and Smalling is stealing a career as a footballer. Jones is decent but can't stay fit. Eric Bailly is a beast I love him, he reminds me of a young Vidic, absolutely fearless no-nonsense defender but he is injured more than Jack Wheelchair. Lindelof seems amazing in some games and then clueless in others, he had a great game against Arsenal keeping Aubameyang in his pocket which was no easy feat.
Now I want to give me 2 cents on who I think we should go for and Ill try to be as realistic as possible with my preferred targets.
Realistic Targets
Left Back
Alex Sandro
Position: LB
Age: 27
Team: Juventus
Strengths: Crossing + Dribbling
Possibility of Signing him: 8/10
Sandro has been a rock for Juventus this season, bombing up and down the left, whipping in dangerous crosses and beating players all over the place, he is full of energy and exactly what we are missing down the left.
Right Back
Djibril Sidibe
Position: RB
Age: 25
Team: Monaco
Strengths: Crossing + Defensive contribution
Possibility of Signing him: 9/10
I have watched Sidibe all season for Monaco and I think he is one of the most talented Right Backs in the world right now. He has it all, he can defend well, cut out passing channels, step in and nick the ball. He can also make passes that open up defences from deep lying positions which we lack.
CDM
Fabinho
Position: CDM
Age: 24
Team: Monaco
Strengths: Aerial Duels + Holding on to the ball
Possibility of Signing him: 8/10
Fabhinho has been fantastic for Monaco this season been deployed in the CDM position. He works his socks off every game, tackling, intercepting passes and winning aerial duels all over the pitch. Fabinho has a secret weapon though, he can pick out long passes for the wingers and strikers and cut open quite a number of defences in Ligue 1 this season.
Right Wing
Willian
Position: RW/CAM
Age: 29
Team: Chelsea
Strengths: Dribbling + Crossing
Possibility of Signing him: 9/10
Now I know what you are all thinking "we don't need another 29yr old". But look at it this way, he is the best crosser of a ball in Europe. He keeps the width all the time and likes to beat full backs on the outside something we have been lacking. He works his socks off every single game always moving, running and looking to make something happen. With Chelsea out of CL next season he will be looking for a move and has a good relationship with Jose.
Centre Back
Toby Alderweireld
Position: CB
Age: 29
Team: Spurs
Strengths: Passing + Concentration
Possibility of Signing him: 8/10
Now this is a defender I love, he is commanding in the box, can pass it out of defence and is EPL proven. The only thing standing in our way is Daniel Levy as he hates dealing with United ever since Berbatov and would rather sell him to Burnley than us haha.
MY FINAL STARTING 11
Let me know what you all think and who you should think we should go for and why?