25 minutes ago, axman2526 said:

In Colwill, Lacroix and Acheampong we have 3 very good options, Imo. In a back 3 we can use James and Hato as wide defenders.

We still need 1 more quality CB. I'd be happy if if Stones picks us. We also need to let Trev move to Como, then shift on all of Disasi, Badishille, Tosin and Fofana Imo. That will be very difficult.

Fingers crossed for this signing. I think Palace had a way of making decent defenders play and look a lot better. (think that was due to glasner/ we'll see how Forret get on this season) Trev went to palace and looked like an English maldini before ditching that form under Marescar, Cant really say that of him now as his confidence took a thrashing last season.

Will reserve my judgement on this one given the state of his performance against England. Fingers crossed but given eveyr defender, exception Cucu, these guys have signed have been worse than the last. Lets hope this guy breaks that trend.

52 minutes ago, theGreenBaron said:

Not that i've seen it with my own eyes, but apparently the outer two CB's in the team are the ones that drive most of the play, and the central one is basically a bruiser, that's based on Leverkusan analysis

Makes sense if so, I’ve always known the central CB to be the play maker

Strong, quick and Premier League experience.

Better than most of our defenders so an upside IMO.

Much needed upgrade.

58 minutes ago, All Barco no bite said:

Makes sense if so, I’ve always known the central CB to be the play maker

Yap - ordinarily I wouldn't be a huge fan of this transfer but for a few points, the first being the tactical adjustment in the way the CB's play, if i'm right you could imagine Reece and Josh would be great compliments on the rights side to Hato and and Levi. That doubles your distribution options, and all can bring the ball out of defense as well. The other key and it seems this is a goal of the Alonso is to raise the athletic and physical profile of the team, the three major signings we have made so far are all above 6 foot and have a good amount of pace, I think lacroix ranks 5th in top speed for prem center backs. This is something we are sourly lacking, lets be honest its quite easy to bully us and this is not something you could ever have leveled against the best Chelsea teams, this is also something Pep learnt very fast when he came in to the league, his initial man city team where far to light weight. In theory you could argue that Badiashille could do this but he seems like a busted flush and I can't tollarate forfana

Other then those facts he's very underwhelming and not some one that I think moves the needle for us, but because of the above and clear departure with the previouse strategy i'm trusting the process.

Might be worth mentioning that there seem's to still be a huge imbalance on that left hand side with, Hato who probably had his best games last year as a left CB is our only option out there, and if anyting happens to him or Levi we are in trouble (i'm ignoring all the other CB's who hopefully will leave, including Tossin)

Mix review from the description I get out there. At one point he is described to be the best 1-on-1 defender, which is always a plus for me, but at another, it's said there is still a gap between him and guehi who I do not rate that highly.

It' good to have a pacey CB but more importantly it's the brain like thiago silva, vincent kompany that is needed to marshal the defence.

Here's an idea. Why don't we wait and see?

2 hours ago, BolaBall said:

Mix review from the description I get out there. At one point he is described to be the best 1-on-1 defender, which is always a plus for me, but at another, it's said there is still a gap between him and guehi who I do not rate that highly.

It' good to have a pacey CB but more importantly it's the brain like thiago silva, vincent kompany that is needed to marshal the defence.

A pacey CB with a brain like Thiago Silva or Vincent Kompany, that is a good 1 on 1 defender probably goes to a CL league, like PSG to replace Marquinhos or RM to replace Rudiger

25 minutes ago, WhiteWall said:

A pacey CB with a brain like Thiago Silva or Vincent Kompany, that is a good 1 on 1 defender probably goes to a CL league, like PSG to replace Marquinhos or RM to replace Rudiger

It's only for this 1 season, Chelsea do belong to CL and have a top 4 or at the very least top 5 squad. Last season was anomaly due to maresca head's was turned and blueco messed up his immediate replacement. With decent manager, I reckon Chelsea would have easily finished in the CL qualification's berth.

Next season onwards if you look at the contenders, both city & liverpool have lost their proven manager, their squad are not that great as they used to be. The hipster contenders like villa and newcastle just got weaken with their main players leaving. I reckon carrick would have similar effect like ole for man united. Only arsenal that looks okay but with arteta, you will never know.

A pacey CB that has a brain like Thiago Silva, is a great 1 vs 1 defender and can marshal the defence; doesn't exist.

This isn't 2005.

1 minute ago, Sconnie Blue said:

A pacey CB that has a brain like Thiago Silva, is a great 1 vs 1 defender and can marshal the defence; doesn't exist.

This isn't 2005.

No, we should be signing this non existent perfect player rather than one that is real and actually suits the team gap we have.

The desperation to hunt for clouds in sliver linings continues....

5 hours ago, dkw said:

No, we should be signing this non existent perfect player rather than one that is real and actually suits the team gap we have.

The desperation to hunt for clouds in sliver linings continues....

I didn't know you were a poet @dkw

Just putting it our there. This still isn't done yet is it? I have seen nothing to say that this is finalised and complete

He is on holiday after the world cup. Perhaps we wait until after he returns, or after the Welbeck and Henderson photoshoot.

Or we've bungled it. Can never rule that one out.

17 minutes ago, axman2526 said:

He is on holiday after the world cup. Perhaps we wait until after he returns, or after the Welbeck and Henderson photoshoot.

Or we've bungled it. Can never rule that one out.

Technically, so was Rogers

Just now, WhiteWall said:

Technically, so was Rogers

True. As he pointed out though Cole would not stop bothering him with messages, phone calls and snap chats so he probably though he best get it done if he wants any peace on his holiday.. Lol

Imagine he must be nailed on to take the #5 shirt. Welcome to the mad house Maxence !

20 hours ago, WhiteWall said:

Just putting it our there. This still isn't done yet is it? I have seen nothing to say that this is finalised and complete

Ye of little faith

Excellent signing, proper value in this ridiculous market too.

Welcome to the club!! Excellent signing.

As several have already said decent price in todays market, same as Van Hecke who only had a year left on contract.

Haven't really seen the guy enough to express an opinion although my Brother in Law is big Palace fan and regards him highly. Good buy for the price in his opinion and thinks he will form a good connection with the fans or at least he did at Palace.

Hes going to be very disappointed when he turns up and looks for his mates!

10 minutes ago, AJMurphy said:

Hes going to be very disappointed when he turns up and looks for his mates!

He spoke to three players who all will hopefully not be here this coming season!!

5 hours ago, Nibs said:

He spoke to three players who all will hopefully not be here this coming season!!

He watched them play football then just to make sure he then spoke to them and knew for certain he was going to start ahead of them.

On 27/07/2026 at 07:00, BolaBall said:

Mix review from the description I get out there. At one point he is described to be the best 1-on-1 defender, which is always a plus for me, but at another, it's said there is still a gap between him and guehi who I do not rate that highly.

It' good to have a pacey CB but more importantly it's the brain like thiago silva, vincent kompany that is needed to marshal the defence.

Who says it will be him doing the marshalling?