The Unreliable Transfer Rumours Discussion Thread (Part 5)

I like the idea. It’s difficult to say without having seen anyone kick a ball yet, but my guess is the job description at full back vs in the middle will be quite different, so it could be difficult to find this player. And then being comfortable playing both sides.

There’s always Joe Gomez. He’s a player who has shown he can do this, and performed at a good level all across the back four over the years. Apart from him and Nacho at Real Madrid, I don’t remember seeing any other player like this playing for the top clubs the last years, just slotting in wherever they’re needed. I’m guessing it’s a rare breed at top level.

1 Like

Jurrien Timber can play right across the backline can’t he? Jorrel Hato too.

Basically anyone from Ajax :joy:

2 Likes

It’s a tricky one to think through. Ideally Bradley comes back stronger than ever, and takes the spot and that’s that. But in the meantime, while we find out about that, what is the best approach?

Will Frimpong come in and do a good enough job at right back? Presumably with Iraola’s coaching he can at least improve positionally and do a decent job?

Will Stephenson make an impression in pre-season, while Iraola runs the rule over some of the young players, and fringe players?

Or will it be a cheapish, but experienced player who can come in and be displaced when Bradley makes his way back?

And presumably if Bradley doesn’t make his way back, and none of the remaining options takes it by storm, we address the right back position next summer, properly, and likely for a tidy sum of money?

Given the other needs we have right now, I don’t see us spending much on the position this summer. Could be wrong. For all I know maybe we are some way down the line to getting the Ivory Coast right flank, and Doue and Diomande will come in with a ready made understanding, and boss it for us?

2 Likes

Ah of course, Timber. Good shout.

1 Like

All indications are that Bradley will be ready by the beginning of the season. Gomez will be fit. And we also have Frimpong that will be fit. I can’t see us buying a RB until Iraola assesses what we have there. I think we buy a RB in January if there is still a question mark at that point in the season. Surely it is not a priority. Obviously, if Bradley has a setback or won’t be fit at the beginning of the season then that changes things.

1 Like

I think we need an actual right fullback and hope Bradley can come back. With his injury record you can’t build a team around him. Fix it first then see how he goes. Basing our hopes on Gomez and Bradley staying fit is criminal.

1 Like

There’s no indication of that

1 Like

Like Joe,but his fitness has been an ongoing handicap for him, who knows how Bradley will come back.
We need a RB who is serviceable and a decent player, doesn’t need to be a superstar as he will likely be regarded as a stopgap for now.

1 Like

Would a left back that run in reverse be a right back?

1 Like

Yep.

1 Like

I’ll be right back after I grab a coffee.

Huge fan of Conor but agree with this. Heard from someone close to his family that he’s a long way off return. I’m still hopeful he’ll be first choice for years if recovers form this and becomes more robust.

Maybe sign a a serviceable CB who can cover RB

3 Likes

Yeah, I’m not getting the optimism about Bradley. Even if he does start running soon, we have no idea how long he’ll take to get match fit or whether he’ll be back to form.
Seems like a gamble to me.

I fear that Bradley will be the next Gomez in our club…

2 Likes

Needs to win another League Title and the CL to become the next Joe Gomez. I’ll take it.

9 Likes

There have been reports that he will be ready for preseason. But I guess, who knows. Clearly, if he is not ready then we need to get a RB. My point is that assuming Bradley is fit, then I can’t see RB as a priority with the current players on the roster.

Could Bajcetic play at Right back, seem to remember he’s filled in their before, also as a DM he’s more oriented to defending.

When Bradley plays I always think he´s the kind of player you hope does well. No lack of effort and he has the courage to try and make things happen.

He probably could. Most midfielders can probably play full back if they have the legs for it. I’m not ruling out anything at this point.

I’ve been thinking the same thing about McConnell, that maybe we’ll see him or Bajcetic there in pre-season. And then Stephenson as well, who already plays right back. I’ve not watched him kick a ball apart from in a couple of pre-season games though, so I’ve no idea how good he is.

I suppose a lot could depend on Bradley and his fitness. If the club don’t have any concerns, and Iraola likes what he sees from Frimpong, then I think it could make sense to go for an internal solution rather than buying.

Ability, for sure. Physically, I dont think it would be wise to ask him to play a role that physically demanding on his come back into the side after a 2 year absence. I am still hopeful though that we can find an option from within the squad (Ramsay and Endo?) to bolster the role without having to go back to the Dom/Jones option

2 Likes