18 May 2026 20:48:15
Alonso likes a back 3 and wing backs with 2 in the pivot and 2 number 10's behind a striker in a 3-4-2-1 formation, although he can also be adaptable as he was at Real Madrid and play a 4-2-3-1.
We are well stocked with players who can play in the pivot, at wingback and as 10's, plus our wingers are hopeless, so they can be sold.
Hato will be perfect on the left of a back 3 with Levi in the centre. So the priority must be a keeper, right sided centre back and back up striker to Joao Pedro and we are sorted. Plenty of squad fillers knocking around on loan and in the academy.
18 May 2026 23:00:05
Greenaway, surely Penders comes in as keeper? Quenda is a perfect wing back cover either side for James/Gusto and Curcurella. We have the likes of Josh and Trevoh as back up centre backs. Maybe sign a worldie? Do we need a striker? JP has scored 20, so works for me.
19 May 2026 06:08:04
I think it'll end up being a back three system, even if it looks like a four on paper sometimes. This is how I see the summer going, with that in mind.
I think we'll see Penders compete with Sanchez for the starting GK spot. Jorgenson sold or loaned (maybe replace Penders at Strasbourg).
Tosin, Badiashille and Fofana all sold. The rumours, before he was confirmed as manager, were that Alonso wanted two CB's. That leans towards him wanting to play a back three. Personally, I think Van Hecke, to play as RCB, and Lacroix, to play as CCB, would be fantastic additions. This two in a three, with Colwill at LCB, would be very balanced, with good passing ability out the back, and good EPL experience. Hato, Chalobah and Acheampong all serving as other options in the squad.
The links to a move for Hall, leave me thinking the club know Cucurella wants to move on. Hall would be an excellent, if slightly unlikely, LWB signing. I hope Alonso can convince Cucurella to stay. Barco is pretty much confirmed now, after he said his goodbyes at Strasbourg. He offers good cover at LWB, but I think will be more of a CM addition. Also got the young Brazilian, Danner I think, joining from Corinthians this summer. Surely a loan candidate, but maybe he impresses in pre-season.
James nailed on as the RWB, for as long as his body can hold out in the role. Gusto may be better in that role, than as a pure RB, where he's less likely to get lost and loose his man when defending the back post. Quenda coming in could get above Gusto in the pecking order pretty quickly.
I don't think we need any additions to the midfield, so long as we can keep what we have.
The wingers are all in trouble, Neto, Garnacho and Gittens could all conceivably leave this summer. We've recently been linked with a move for Nwaneri from Arsenal, which is something I'd definitely support. We'd still need someone for that inside left role. Matt Law had some interesting / negative things to say about Rogers lack of maturity, and it being something this group doesn't need. I actually think Gibbs-White would be a better signing, he's had goals and assists consistently for a couple of seasons now.
Emegha will add much needed depth up top, but can't see him unseating Joao Pedro as our starting number nine. Guiu will likely be sold (Coventry sniffing around), with Delap our no 3 choice and Conference League golden boot candidate. Jackson to be sold.
Don't know what our SD's have been doing, bloody easy game this ?
19 May 2026 08:53:55
J, I agree with the majority of your post, and as you say, it will be interesting to see if Alonso wants four wide players in his squad.
Neto was rumoured to be of interest to Barcelona and Liverpool. I can only see Garnacho going out on loan.
I think there will be lots of players sold in this window. Guiu, Disasi, Tosin and Badiashile, Fofana or Chalobah, I think, are definite.
I would like to see the back of Gusto as well, but I can see him being ok under Alonso.
19 May 2026 09:02:24
Interesting posts. There will be a lot of twists and turns before the start of the season.
There is a scenario where Pep leaves City, Man U appoints Carrick, and Liverpool stick with Slot, which would be very good for us. The first two are very likely, but I would be surprised if Liverpool retain Slot, even if they get Champions League football.