lets talk about our defence

[Bob stark]

Crazy that Azpi, Christensen and Rudiger are all free agents at the end of May. At this point it seems likely that they will all leave which leaves us in a terrible position.
Silva will also be done in a little over a year presumably so we need a whole bucketload of top defenders this summer to compete and plan for the future.

All four are Premier League proven stars and if they all left it would be incredibly hard to replace them in my view.

Another interesting point that indirectly affects the defence as well is that Jorginho and Kante both only have a year left on their contracts in the summer. They are both almost 31 and we have a well known contract-policy for when players get past 30. And both Jorginho and Kante can definitly get long-term contracts at several other clubs. So either we break our policy or we need to think about moving them on in the summer so we recoup some cash. I don't think either of them are prepared to accept 1+1 contract here with us thats for sure.

As long as we keep our current system, replacing our cb won't be a massive problem. It feel like you can just throw anybody there and it just work. If we decide to switch to back 4, it is whole another story.

 

[Argo]

Crazy that Azpi, Christensen and Rudiger are all free agents at the end of May. At this point it seems likely that they will all leave which leaves us in a terrible position.
Silva will also be done in a little over a year presumably so we need a whole bucketload of top defenders this summer to compete and plan for the future.

All four are Premier League proven stars and if they all left it would be incredibly hard to replace them in my view.

Another interesting point that indirectly affects the defence as well is that Jorginho and Kante both only have a year left on their contracts in the summer. They are both almost 31 and we have a well known contract-policy for when players get past 30. And both Jorginho and Kante can definitly get long-term contracts at several other clubs. So either we break our policy or we need to think about moving them on in the summer so we recoup some cash. I don't think either of them are prepared to accept 1+1 contract here with us thats for sure.

I know it will have to happen in the end but is there even any sign of Silva tanking yet? I know it can happen anytime and we have to be wary but there's not even any tell tale warning signs at this point compared to say Azpi who's looking in real danger of an Ivanovic esque dive.

 

[axman2526]

Crazy that Azpi, Christensen and Rudiger are all free agents at the end of May. At this point it seems likely that they will all leave which leaves us in a terrible position.
Silva will also be done in a little over a year presumably so we need a whole bucketload of top defenders this summer to compete and plan for the future.

All four are Premier League proven stars and if they all left it would be incredibly hard to replace them in my view.

Another interesting point that indirectly affects the defence as well is that Jorginho and Kante both only have a year left on their contracts in the summer. They are both almost 31 and we have a well known contract-policy for when players get past 30. And both Jorginho and Kante can definitly get long-term contracts at several other clubs. So either we break our policy or we need to think about moving them on in the summer so we recoup some cash. I don't think either of them are prepared to accept 1+1 contract here with us thats for sure.

I expect Jorgi leaves at the end of his deal to finish up his career in Italy as his agent has said he wants to do.

 

[Argo]

I expect Jorgi leaves at the end of his deal to finish up his career in Italy as his agent has said he wants to do.

Can't blame him tbh. Take my club loyalty out of the question and it would be no contest if picking between Naples and London.

 

[axman2526]

Can't blame him tbh. Take my club loyalty out of the question and it would be no contest if picking between Naples and London.

On top of that there has been some rumours Kante will leave when his deal is up too. 

When you hear Mbappe could be earning 800k a week at Real it puts more substance behind the rumours several top players have had enough of clubs pocketing huge fees and want to start moving on frees so they get a much better deal.

 

[strider6004]

On top of that there has been some rumours Kante will leave when his deal is up too. 

When you hear Mbappe could be earning 800k a week at Real it puts more substance behind the rumours several top players have had enough of clubs pocketing huge fees and want to start moving on frees so they get a much better deal.

It is sad in way, because of politics in football and also the money players can only move when they are out of contract. 

Often this is also when they are past their best. 

I have read that Haaland is dismayed by reports of Mbappe going to Madrid and his likely salary making him think he might need to revise his list of preferred destinations.

Of course in these situations it is not always the club that is at fault either the player or the player's agent for pushing or agreeing to such a long contract. 

 

[ItsEssexRob]

Does anyone know what the record is for  most goals scored by defenders in one teams season?

Feels like we have a reverse team. Our defence has scored 22 goals this season, unless I have miscounted somewhere. We must be near or on course for  the record surely?