24 Jun 2026 06:57:39
So with Marco Palestra coming in at RWB, I guess that means Reece James moves into the back 3? And we also have Geovany Quenda joining as a RWB or can either of them play on the left?
Does anyone know much about either player?
24 Jun 2026 07:55:31
Both can play left or right. Alonso seems very keen on positional / tactical flexibility. Palestra can play as a traditional FB too, but I think this leans toward starting with a back three, rather than converting to one, with an inverting FB. The option is there to do either.
24 Jun 2026 08:41:20
Thanks J.
24 Jun 2026 08:57:44
Yes, thanks, J. I know nothing about Palestra except what I can read online, that he is 21 - so another youngster - and had 4 assists and one goal last season in the 37 matches he featured in.
So, I guess the point is whether, J, you think he is not just yet another highly rated young player with 'potential', but someone who has already shown he can perform on the big stage and who can adapt quickly to the EPL?
I had thought we might be bringing in a few more seasoned players, including EPL seasoned ones, and Lacroix from Palace a possibility here?
Suppose that we will be offloading quite a few of the CBs on our books - BB, Disasi, and perhaps a couple of others, eg TC rumoured to be potentially off to Como - so perhaps we will be bringing in at least a couple of replacements?
24 Jun 2026 11:51:40
I think the main thing I take away from this is Alonso's signing. Despite his age, it has to be seen as a positive that the club are acting on the manager's requests. He was Defender of the Year in Italy, a weakened league, but still a good indication of his quality. It can't be ignored that Inter were willing to spend big on him, which isn't that common in Italian football these days.
I really hope we push through the Lacroix signing. I expect James to play RCB, with Acheampong deputising.
Colwill and Hato at LCB, and I'd be happy with Tosin or Chalobah backing up Lacroix as the CCB. I think the club see a good profit in selling Chalobah, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him join Disasi and Badiashille out the exit door. Sarr could stick around as a versatile backup, but won't see any mins without European football - loan makes the most sense. Emenalo is a good option as third-choice backup from the youth setup.
24 Jun 2026 14:24:54
Thanks, J, for info re Palestra. That is very encouraging. Plus, for other thoughts.
25 Jun 2026 08:14:00
I totally agree with all of that, J, and would also try to move Fofana on as well.