14 Jun 2026 21:53:18
£51.8 million for Cucu is a very smart bit of business by Alonso and the club. He has served us well but isn't a wing back and really would of looked lost in an Alonso system. Who comes in will be interesting and lovely to see Alonso already shaping his squad.
14 Jun 2026 22:55:50
Greenaway, I can't remember what he cost all those years ago? I seem to remember £50m ish, but I'm not certain.
I wouldn't have a clue if it was an Alonso or SD decision, but he hinted that he wanted to go, so goodbye as far as I am concerned.
I seem to remember a previous poster saying a sale would likely show as a book profit of approx £30m.
I guess we will sell some at a profit and some at a loss, just like most clubs.
15 Jun 2026 09:28:58
I think Cucurella is one of the best left backs in the world and also perfectly capable of play at left wing back. We paid £60million for him.
Whether this is a very smart piece of business by the club remains to be seen - depends, as always, on who we can get in to replace him and/or back up Hato (who may play LCB if Alonso plays three at the back?) - but I think we are weaker without MC and the goals he gave us (seven times more than Delap?). Problem is that he wanted to go, and we, as a club, do not tend to prevent players leaving if they wish to go, and clearly the best players would like Champions League football, which we spectacularly failed to get.
Yes, we won the (abysmally low standard) Conference League, and then the CWC, but it was a pretty disastrous season, partly a result of fatigue/injuries that ensued. Then, of course, Maresca, having boosted his profile, wanted away to Juventus or City.
Anyway, it may well not be wise to comment much more on whether we will be weaker next season overall until this transfer window is over. Like others, I hope that Alonso will both persuade most of our better players to stay, attract some others in, and be able to offload those not good enough or surplus to requirements.
15 Jun 2026 09:41:37
JBS, I agree Cucarella had one horrible season, but has generally been very good for us.
I don't like it when players start talking about moving during a season, but my guess is it's driven by agents, and, again, as you say, we don't keep a player if they are not happy.
I assume it will now show as a financial profit on our books, but he also gave a playing return on our investment, and I cannot fault his effort for the club. As you say, too early to judge about replacements, but I am a Hall fan.
15 Jun 2026 17:09:02
Tom,
I think Hall is earmarked for Man U.
I would not be too fussed if we did not get him, if im honest, I believe he has had a number of injuries.
16 Jun 2026 11:28:09
Bill, or maybe not.