26 May 2026 13:51:44
Whilst I still think there's a chance Fernandez is playing for the club next season, I suspect Cucurella won't be. Replacing him could be expensive, especially looking at options like bringing Hall back. One option that could make sense in the books and on the pitch is Grimaldo.
Yes, he's 31 in September, so it's highly unlikely, but he's in the last year of his contract, so wouldn't break the bank, is highly productive and knows Alonso's system inside out.
26 May 2026 16:27:55
We have a young lad out on loan who could cover, plus Hato. We also have the guy from Strasbourg who can play LB, LWB, or the left side of midfield.
26 May 2026 16:32:53
I actually think Barco could be perfect for one of the WB roles in Alonso's system, the one that Grimaldo did under him. But I wouldn't rush him into starting, not without any experienced cover. That's where Grimaldo comes in as experienced cover who Barco can learn from before taking the reins full time.
26 May 2026 17:34:57
Barco is very very lightweight still.
26 May 2026 18:01:09
He hasn't looked anything but a good, hardworking player with a slight hint of nastiness on the few occasions I have watched him.
26 May 2026 18:15:08
I doubt very much if any of the new "signings" will be starters next season: some will go on loan. Probably should get rid of about 10 players. As for Cucu, Pedro, Enzo, etc. I would prefer to keep them.
Alonso needs to speak to Cucu first, as he only has 2 left on his contract. There is a two-week transfer window before the World Cup. It would be good to get rid of a few players.
26 May 2026 18:26:52
Jimbo, I will probably end up being wrong, but as I think there will be a minimum of eight players sold, Alonso is going to have a few fresh faces to work with.
26 May 2026 18:51:49
Tom, you might be right, but we need to get rid of more. I am hoping any new signings are starters. With no micky mouse European football, there will be little opportunity to experiment with squad and academy players, apart from the early rounds of domestic cup competitions. That said, it is unlikely we will be lucky enough to get such easy draws next season.
26 May 2026 19:31:16
Sadly, Gusto probably won't be sold as he can play RWB.
26 May 2026 19:42:41
Barco is small, but combative and competitive, not to mention extremely creative.
26 May 2026 23:22:25
Barco is a really strong and combative player, ideally suited to the Premier League. He might be small, but don't let that cloud your judgement. Joao Pedro is going nowhere, he loves the club.
People need to relax and calm down. Didn't we have all this same rubbish of "we are in trouble", "no top manager will come to us", utter clickbait crap before Alonso signed? Please relax.
27 May 2026 04:51:20
Greenaway, if Pedro leaves, my guess is it will be his call.
27 May 2026 06:15:18
I genuinely believe Joao Pedro is, potentially unfortunately for him, being used as a pawn in Barcelona's attempts to sign Julian Alvarez. Barcelona know Alvarez will need to force his way out of Atletico. All the self-generated Joao Pedro stuff is designed by Barcelona to put pressure on Alvarez and make him do just that.
Either way, I can't see him being sold. The very early reports were that Barcelona enquired, were told not for sale, and are looking at other options. Genuine reporters haven't changed their position on this.
27 May 2026 08:00:31
There is absolutely no way that Barcelona could afford JP with wages on top of a huge transfer fee.
I even doubt RM can afford EF.
We were mocked for having long term contracts, but it means the top Spanish clubs can no longer screw us over, trying to destabilise players and then low-balling us with ridiculous low offers.
That can also be said of the Italian sides as well now.
27 May 2026 08:26:54
Bill, I'm not sure wages would be an issue. I think the fee we would demand may put some clubs off.
I still think Enzo will leave. Apparently we can't agree terms for a new contract, plus City and RM are supposedly very interested in signing him.
Although I can't see him agreeing to go to City if, as reported, they end up with a 60pts deduction in the next few weeks.
27 May 2026 09:17:28
Bill, you make a very good point about the length of contracts. I'm still amazed the Marina, under the Roman stewardship, allowed the likes of Rudiger and AC to run down their contracts and leave for free, which meant the new owners were on the back foot from day one and were panicked into buying Koudibally and the like.
27 May 2026 09:24:46
That's the good thing about long term contracts, Greenaway. It's harder for clubs to purchase our players, and if they do, they will have to pay top dollar.
I will credit to the owners for the contract policy.