1 hour ago, abramovich said:

Wasn't Sanches a few months away from running down his Arsenal contract when he signed for MU? Plus he's older and not on the same level as Hazard. 

As for Courtois, he forced his transfer by going on strike. Still, keepers normally don't cost that much (I know, Kepa and Allison) and there's only a handful of players of Hazard quality out there (Neymar, Mbappe, etc) and none of them is available. I guess the fee we'll get from Madrid will directly depend on the stance Hazard'll take in the summer. If he does a Courtois, we'll be forced to sell him for far less that we'd want, if he lets it known that he only moves if Madrid's bid is big enough to keep CFC happy, then we may get a substantial sum. I always felt that, unlike his ostrich looking countryman, Eden is a decent guy who genuinely cares about the club, but at the end of the day anything can happen.

 

Sanchez was 28 when he moved to Utd, same as Hazard now. Sanchez at Arsenal was also probably on par with Hazard, however hard it is to admit. He outscored him every year playing the same position. Yes he had 6 months left on his deal, but having a year left is pretty much the same. Either way the players are leaving at the end of that season so you can't demand much money for them. 

Even if Courtois didn't go on strike, do you honestly think we could have got more than £35m for him?

Whatever happens, something to the value of about £80m is the very best we can hope for. That is still likely to be subsidised with another player as mentioned.

22 hours ago, Gol15 said:

I'm not the one suggesting to sell Hazard for less than half of his worth just so that we keep Kovacic that has been nothing but average.

Name 1 top 5 player ever, that got sold in a garbage deal like you're suggesting, you can't.

Also Kovacic mostly plays in the same lineup with Jorginho and not as his backup, you saw 1 game where he took that role and can't let it go it's pathetic really, 40m + an average backup for Jorginho means we lose a top 5 player of the world and have no money to buy anyone close to that level.

Keep trying it doesn't work, even trash newspapers dont suggest this weak trade you're talking about 

The main problem being that Kovacic isn't worth 40/50m. He's surplus to requirements at Madrid so why should we consider him good enough for us. As ive already suggested in todays climate Hazard will fetch a fee of between 100-120m and no less. Madrid are desperate for him.

Edited February 8, 20197 yr by Osgoodwasgood

25 minutes ago, Osgoodwasgood said:

The main problem being that Kovacic isn't worth 40/50m. He's surplus to requirements at Madrid so why should we consider him good enough for us. As ive already suggested in todays climate Hazard will fetch a fee of between 100-120m and no less. Madrid are desperate for him.

Madrid really aren't desperate for him. If I was a Madrid fan I would question the transfer. 

Kovacic isn't awful, he just can't shoot. He'd be a good player to have in the squad. I'd say he's worth 40m on the market.

4 minutes ago, bisright1 said:

Madrid really aren't desperate for him. If I was a Madrid fan I would question the transfer. 

Kovacic isn't awful, he just can't shoot. He'd be a good player to have in the squad. I'd say he's worth 40m on the market.

I did'nt say he was awful, just that imo he's not worth that sort of money. In his position he doesn't score or assist enough.

I agree. Kovacic has been no more than okay in his time with us. Hasn't shown enough to become a first team regular starter so why would we agree to pay Madrid £40M and let them have Hazard (An Actual Marquee Player) at a knock-down price. It would be a lose / lose situation.

 

So transfer ban stays, which means Kovacic and Higuain cannot stay.

 

Pulisic is signed already so he can come in but that is it. So what would our ideal be under these constraints? Mine would be:

GK: Kepa, Big Willy*, Bulka

Full Backs: Azpi, James, Sterling, Alonso, Emerson.

CB: Chalobah, Zouma, Christensen, Luiz*, Rudiger.

Registra: Jorginho, Ampadu

CM: RLC, Barkley, Willian, Kante, Mount

WF: Hazard*, Pedro, Pulisic, CHO

Striker: Giroud*, Abraham, Batman 

* donated if they agree new deals.

Willian takes the midfield runner position from kovacic. 

 

Worst case we lose all the players with the * next to them.

 

GK: Kepa, Bulka, Cumming

Full Backs: Azpi, James, Sterling, Alonso, Emerson.

CB: Chalobah, Zouma, Christensen, Rudiger.

Registra: Jorginho, Ampadu

CM: RLC, Barkley, Willian, Kante, Mount

WF: Kenedy, Pedro, Pulisic, CHO

Striker: Redan, Abraham, Batman 

Not ideal...

 

Edited March 9, 20197 yr by axman2526

12 hours ago, axman2526 said:

Striker: Redan, Abraham, Batman 

This would literally be one of the weakest strikeforces in the entire league. Even if Giroud extends we are looking extremely weak up front. 
Definitly a big worry.

2 hours ago, Sindre said:

This would literally be one of the weakest strikeforces in the entire league. Even if Giroud extends we are looking extremely weak up front. 
Definitly a big worry.

We can always recall Morata ???.

3 hours ago, Sindre said:

This would literally be one of the weakest strikeforces in the entire league. Even if Giroud extends we are looking extremely weak up front. 
Definitly a big worry.

You never know. Giroud wouldn’t make any difference for me as he has only managed 4 league goals here in 30+ appearances. 

Higuain will stay longer if needed as the possible loan extension agreement was in place before the ban.

With the events of the last few days, I would go for a full reset in summer. Sell the deadwood, bring back the loanees with potential, bring in a director of football, and a manager that will work with the youth. 

Then seriously lower our expectations for a season, lets have a good look at some of the youngsters, and if we can make top 6, and have a decent cup run or 2, it will be a good season. 

Then the director of football, and the manager, can assess what is required, and in 2020, we can go heavily in the market for 3/4 top drawer players. Financially we could have a large pot of money, if we sell the deadwood, and we free up wages from senior players, and we could also have a windfall from hazard. 

Gk Kepa, Caballero, Bulka

DR Azpilicueta, James

DC Rudiger, Christiansen, Zouma, Ampadu

DL Dasilva, Alonso/Emerson

CM Kante, Jorginho, RLC, Barkley, Mount, Gilmour

RW Pulisic, Pedro

LW CHO, Hazard/Willian

CF Batshuayi, Abraham, Giroud 

We might be down on quality from this season, but we would have a squad full of energy, fight, and potential. I think the fans would stay onside, if we had more of the academy boys involved, and we actually looked like we were building towards something.

 

On 09/03/2019 at 17:41, brownindian said:

We can always recall Morata ???.

We would and probably will if this ban stays. 

Goalkeepers
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Wilfredo Caballero

Defenders
Antonio Rudiger
Andreas Christensen
Emerson
Cesar Azpilicueta

Midfielders
Jorginho
N'Golo Kante
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Ethan Ampadu

Attackers
Eden Hazard
Olivier Giroud
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Christian Pulisic

Regardless who our manager is next season, it's a very sad state of affairs that these are the only players that I would want anywhere near our first team/bench next season.

We need a huge overhaul. Alonso, Zappacosta, Cahill, Drinkwater, Willian, Pedro, Barkley and Luiz are not good enough.

Azpilicueta and Emerson would be bench options for me, along with Giroud.
 

17 minutes ago, JMaher94 said:

Goalkeepers
Kepa Arrizabalaga
Wilfredo Caballero

Defenders
Antonio Rudiger
Andreas Christensen
Emerson
Cesar Azpilicueta

Midfielders
Jorginho
N'Golo Kante
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Ethan Ampadu

Attackers
Eden Hazard
Olivier Giroud
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Christian Pulisic

Regardless who our manager is next season, it's a very sad state of affairs that these are the only players that I would want anywhere near our first team/bench next season.

We need a huge overhaul. Alonso, Zappacosta, Cahill, Drinkwater, Willian, Pedro, Barkley and Luiz are not good enough.

Azpilicueta and Emerson would be bench options for me, along with Giroud.
 

I think Eden will leave. As a result either Pedro or William will stay. I would consider keeping Luiz for another year with the ban in place. Tammy and Bats back from loan to provide striker optionsm

Just now, forbzy said:

I think Eden will leave. As a result either Pedro or William will stay. I would consider keeping Luiz for another year with the ban in place. Tammy and Bats back from loan to provide striker optionsm

I haven't factored in who will leave. Just who I would keep ??

Squad i'd like to see next season:

Kepa (Caballero)

Azpi (James)  Christensen (Rudiger)  Luiz (Ampadu)  Emerson (Alonso)

Jorginho (Van Ginkel)

Kante (Ampadu)         RLC (Mount)

Pedro (Pulisic)    Batshuayi (Abraham)     CHO (Willian)

Players out: Zappacosta (£10m), Aina (£9m), Moses (£6m), Giroud (£8m), Hazard (£80m), Barkley (£30m) - £143m

Players in: Transfer ban.

 

Obviously people will play the 'this ain't Fifa card' at this post but looks like a strong team and fringe players leaving. Wouldn't be against Giroud being kept on for one more year, but it looks like he wouldn't mind going back to France. Zappacosta is just a wasted space in the squad and James can easily take that spot. Torino will likely take up their option on Aina and i can see Hazard finally making the move to Madrid. Fenerbache apparently want Moses on a permanent to could see that happening. Barkley isn't good enough for Chelsea imo, however i doubt we'll move him on. Personally i'd get rid and play RLC as first choice and Mount as back up. 

The following summer when the ban is lifted we can look at a new winger to replace Willian/Pedro, a new striker if Bats and Tammy have been sh*t, and the a new CB in place of Luiz. Probably a new LB for Alonso at some point but once again, not urgent. 3 players in that window is easy pickings. 

2 minutes ago, RIP Mourinho said:

Squad i'd like to see next season:

Kepa (Caballero)

Azpi (James)  Christensen (Rudiger)  Luiz (Ampadu)  Emerson (Alonso)

Jorginho (Van Ginkel)

Kante (Ampadu)         RLC (Mount)

Pedro (Pulisic)    Batshuayi (Abraham)     CHO (Willian)

Players out: Zappacosta (£10m), Aina (£9m), Moses (£6m), Giroud (£8m), Hazard (£80m), Barkley (£30m) - £143m

Players in: Transfer ban.

 

Obviously people will play the 'this ain't Fifa card' at this post but looks like a strong team and fringe players leaving. Wouldn't be against Giroud being kept on for one more year, but it looks like he wouldn't mind going back to France. Zappacosta is just a wasted space in the squad and James can easily take that spot. Torino will likely take up their option on Aina and i can see Hazard finally making the move to Madrid. Fenerbache apparently want Moses on a permanent to could see that happening. Barkley isn't good enough for Chelsea imo, however i doubt we'll move him on. Personally i'd get rid and play RLC as first choice and Mount as back up. 

The following summer when the ban is lifted we can look at a new winger to replace Willian/Pedro, a new striker if Bats and Tammy have been sh*t, and the a new CB in place of Luiz. Probably a new LB for Alonso at some point but once again, not urgent. 3 players in that window is easy pickings. 

Assuming that the ban remains, that is the best case scenario for our squad right there

9 minutes ago, RIP Mourinho said:

Squad i'd like to see next season:

Kepa (Caballero)

Azpi (James)  Christensen (Rudiger)  Luiz (Ampadu)  Emerson (Alonso)

Jorginho (Van Ginkel)

Kante (Ampadu)         RLC (Mount)

Pedro (Pulisic)    Batshuayi (Abraham)     CHO (Willian)

Players out: Zappacosta (£10m), Aina (£9m), Moses (£6m), Giroud (£8m), Hazard (£80m), Barkley (£30m) - £143m

Players in: Transfer ban.

 

Obviously people will play the 'this ain't Fifa card' at this post but looks like a strong team and fringe players leaving. Wouldn't be against Giroud being kept on for one more year, but it looks like he wouldn't mind going back to France. Zappacosta is just a wasted space in the squad and James can easily take that spot. Torino will likely take up their option on Aina and i can see Hazard finally making the move to Madrid. Fenerbache apparently want Moses on a permanent to could see that happening. Barkley isn't good enough for Chelsea imo, however i doubt we'll move him on. Personally i'd get rid and play RLC as first choice and Mount as back up. 

The following summer when the ban is lifted we can look at a new winger to replace Willian/Pedro, a new striker if Bats and Tammy have been sh*t, and the a new CB in place of Luiz. Probably a new LB for Alonso at some point but once again, not urgent. 3 players in that window is easy pickings. 

I don’t think that is a fifa like squad, quite realistic if the transfer ban sticks I would have thought. 

 

I personally would keep Barkley around as he’s relatively experienced compared to some of those young players. 

I’d like us to keep Aina but I don’t think we’re going to have a say in the matter unfortunately. 

Giroud I think fancies going back to France but similar to you, if we could I’d like to keep him around if possible. 

I’d make Hazard see out his contract for £80m personally, if he was willing to considering the transfer ban but obviously if he’s adamant he’s leaving I think he’s earned that right. 

 

The only other change would be, I’d start Pulisic over Pedro as I think he’ll bring more to the table next season hopefully!

My starting line up with transfer ban would be.

Hazard             RLC                CHO

     Pulisic       Jorginho    Kante

EP/MA     DL/AC    AR       Dave

 

I still think RLC could play a very good 9, he's strong enough, plays very well with his back to goal, has more goals this season than any of our 9's, I'm just not sure what's missing for him there TBH.  But with a ban we need Hazard, RLC, CHO and Pulisic all on, and RLC would do the best out of those 4 in the 9 role IMO.  We don't have enough players this year in the 25-28 year old range this year, I think that would help next year.

32 minutes ago, EdinburghBlue said:

 

 

The only other change would be, I’d start Pulisic over Pedro as I think he’ll bring more to the table next season hopefully!

TBF, those positions on the wings are up for grabs. I imagine if CHO starts one of the experienced wingers starts and same for Pulisic. Would be good to see both together but doubt Sarri or many other managers would dare do it.

16 minutes ago, Wearyourblue said:

My starting line up with transfer ban would be.

Hazard             RLC                CHO

     Pulisic       Jorginho    Kante

EP/MA     DL/AC    AR       Dave

 

I still think RLC could play a very good 9, he's strong enough, plays very well with his back to goal, has more goals this season than any of our 9's, I'm just not sure what's missing for him there TBH.  But with a ban we need Hazard, RLC, CHO and Pulisic all on, and RLC would do the best out of those 4 in the 9 role IMO.  We don't have enough players this year in the 25-28 year old range this year, I think that would help next year.

RLC has been playing great when fit in CM this year, I don’t think trying to turn him in to a false 9 is the best thing for us to do personally. Especially when we have another young player in Abraham who IMO deserves his chance in the first team & Bats who while not being a great hold up player is a tidy finisher and would get chances with Hazard and CHO on the wings. 

 

I wouldn't be adverse to seeing RLC starting up top in an emergency but I certainly wouldn’t fancy it being our weekly line up. I think it was reported he told Sarri he’s a midfielder and that’s where he sees himself playing and wants to play.

Edited April 4, 20197 yr by EdinburghBlue

1 hour ago, RIP Mourinho said:

Squad i'd like to see next season:

Kepa (Caballero)

Azpi (James)  Christensen (Rudiger)  Luiz (Ampadu)  Emerson (Alonso)

Jorginho (Van Ginkel)

Kante (Ampadu)         RLC (Mount)

Pedro (Pulisic)    Batshuayi (Abraham)     CHO (Willian)

Players out: Zappacosta (£10m), Aina (£9m), Moses (£6m), Giroud (£8m), Hazard (£80m), Barkley (£30m) - £143m

Probably not that far off if we’re still banned but;

Giroud is out of contract so no chance of getting any money for him. 

If we loses one of Willy/Green I’d like Bulka to be seen as second choice/cup keeper. 

What about Our Lord and Saviour, Bakayoko?

Next season will be tough no matter what.
That team for example would be the worst one in the Roman-era by far and i don't see us being anywhere near top 4, but let's hope we save up money for a massive 2020-summer because we would sure need it.

13 minutes ago, Munkworth said:

Probably not that far off if we’re still banned but;

Giroud is out of contract so no chance of getting any money for him. 

If we loses one of Willy/Green I’d like Bulka to be seen as second choice/cup keeper. 

What about Our Lord and Saviour, Bakayoko?

Didn't realise Giroud was out of contract this summer, thought he had a year left. In that case he doesn't really have a reason to stick around and may as well go back to France on a massive wage.

I could see Caballero sticking around. Bulka's contract is up this summer isn't it? Although i think he's great can't see him sitting on the bench for us voluntarily. 

Still praying Milan take up that £35m(?) option to buy, take off Giroud's fee and stick that on and we've made £170m to take into the following window.

2 minutes ago, Sindre said:

Next season will be tough no matter what.
That team for example would be the worst one in the Roman-era by far and i don't see us being anywhere near top 4, but let's hope we save up money for a massive 2020-summer because we would sure need it.

Our 2012 team that won the Champions league was arguably worse than that with over the hill and average players.