Slot is in a title challenge. He’s not going to give minutes to Chiesa unless he looks good in training. It’s a merit based decision and I respect it. Chiesa looks like a miss by the transfer team. The only plus to this signing is that it wasn’t very expensive at 12.5m.
Most likely we will get rid of him next summer though, either on loan or permanent because he doesn’t look a fit for what Slot wants. Honestly it was always going to be a gamble to sign a player coming off a major injury like Chiesa.
I hope so. We have a lot of uncertainty in 3 potential stars leaving. And a few holes to fill. The likes of Salah, Virgil, and Trent will be difficult to replace.
The rumors of Darwin interest by Atletico Madrid, Konate interest by PSG and Diaz interest by Barcelona might also require a response if they end up moving on.
Interesting summer ahead for Slot should the team win the BPL, UCL and the LC.
For me, this is how I would go:
For summer 2025
Out:
Darwin Nunez
Luis Diaz
TAA ( on a free)
Harvey Elliott ( dependent on aston villa’s financial situation)
Tsimikas
Joe Gomez
Ins:
Cunha/Sesko
Morgan Rogers ( if Aston villa is on a sale of players)
Frimpong or Geertruida if FSG goes cheap…
Hato for a long term replacement for VVD and immediate replacement for Gomez
Kerkez or Miguel Gutiérrez if FSG decides to go cheaper…
If the club has a bit more dough, they can try for Takefusa Kubo who will no doubt be cheaper than Kudus but will require a change in how the team plays and goodbye to Chiesa. Kubo will be the long term replacement for Salah.
However, if Salah doesn’t sign, then Kubo or Kudus will be an immediate priority regardless of Chiesa’s situation. By then, FSG might have a mini revolt on the stands for not giving Salah a two year contract…
I don’t get why so many people on here want to let Diaz go. He’s an excellent player, skillful, tenacious and hardworking. There aren’t many players on his level in world football. Sure, if Barcelona want to pay silly money and he really wants to move, a case might be made, but all that is based on rumours at the moment and I don’t get these casual statements about losing a top player.
Not to mention that we are heading into a summer where most people agree we need a new LB, Nunez has been credibly linked with moves away and we have three major players not tied down on contracts yet - adding Diaz to the list of departures just adds another headache.
I think people get enchanted sometimes by the idea of players they don’t watch as often. An example that springs to mind is Rafael Leao who I’ve seen so much hype around but actually he doesn’t do very much.
Also if you’re watching highlights of other teams then you see their best moments but you miss all the negative moments too. At the same time you watch every minute of a Liverpool game, see Diaz trip over the ball as he tries to take on three players at the same time and think “fuck we should sell him and get Leao” (for example).
Yeah, MotD highlighted his contribution on Weds, and I’ve noticed how many commentators are impressed by him. I bet fans of other clubs would be amazed that any of our fans would consider losing him.
Acquilani plus a host of others say hi. I’ve been disappointed that he hasn’t had more minutes, and don’t think he’s going to make it here, but even in the current squad there is a poorer transfer - Darwin Nunez - and going back so very many more than a cut price stocking filler that Chiesa represents.
Edit: I see that youse have all made my points for me already. The joys of being in AEST, eh @cynicaloldgit ?
In form, he can be a very good player. Doesn’t seem to be able to keep it up for longer periods.
I’m thankful to Slot and Diaz both for the idea and his work up top, it was a relative success so far. Didn’t saw it coming and it’s still an option we go back to.
Equaled relatively early his 13 goals of last season, but then had a lower spell (luckily, then Gakpo raised his form). Had a good game the other night back on the left wing, hopefully a sign of coming back to form.
The link with Barca is always there in some capacity, but who knows if that one happens, due to uncertainities over there. Raphinha, playing mostly off the left (but coming inside to combine and press to protect Lewandowski in that phase), is having a phenomenal season.
Like I said yesterday, I don’t see us replacing 4-5 forwards this summer, some will bloody have to stay. We’ll see what happens with him.
Diaz is not untouchable for me, provided the offer is good. But the point is well made that there’s no need to go looking for trouble, as we will need a forward, left back, possibly a midfielder, and the three main contracts need resolution one way or the other. Adding Diaz to the workload on our end seems misplaced, but our head could be turned if it found us.
. I’d be willing to lose Jota before Diaz. At least we can rely on Luis to be fit when we need him