But maybe our criteria has changed from Klopp to Slot.
Previously, it was reported that we were considering a player who can play both LCB and LB. Like a Hincapie or Theate type of player, just to give example. Like when Rafa wanted Heinze.
Now, maybe we simply want 4 CB’s and 4 full backs. If some of them are able to play different positions, like Gomez, then great.
But it seems like we’re being linked with proper full backs.
I also thought for a good few years that adding more quality and competition at RCB was more important than finding a backup for Virgil.
Konate has won that place in the hierarchy, but he’s also yet to play more than 37 games in a season with us (and his club career high is 43 at Leipzig, every other season he played much less).
Konate can do a job at LCB, but for his sake, I think it would be better he remains long term at RCB. Gomez is our utility defender. Quansah for me actually did better at LCB than at RCB last season.
Everything also depends on who will leave, what we do with our budget, possibilities and what’s our priorities.
If we can do a deal for Bastoni in addition to tying up Van Dijk. That would be awesome.
RB
Hopefully Trent extends and we continue with the same otherwise a backup/competition for Bradley
LB
Kerkez would be an expensive proposition but someone who’s in that age group and in that profile.
As far as defense goes. A CB and a LB. We can possibly manage the RB situation in house even if Trent does leave.
Midfield.
Nothing much that needs to be done. We’ve got guys like Nyoni coming forward. Maybe a replacement for Endo as a backup to Grav. And we’ve got guys in house like Morton/Bajcetic. Never discount the value of people training with a set tactic. Morton might yet surprise.
Attack.
One replacement for Nunez. Assuming all goes well with Chiesa and his integration to the squad.
I wouldn’t say that a LCB calibre like Bastoni is realistic while Virgil is still here.
As for Kerkez, yeah it depends on how much a certain club wants him and how he views different projects.
There’s style of play, competitiveness, European football next season (which United might be without), formations (United and Hungary play 3 at the back), maybe Szobo could be a factor…
If we are in for him too, and Kerkez chooses Man Utd, bullet dodged. He lacks good judgment, which we don’t need, and he is probably money driven, which we don’t need.
