Most people are going off the fact Dortmund have a shit defensive record - that may mean something to him as a player but it may also mean absolutely nothing.
Do I need to remind you that we in fact haven't done anything?
https://www.kicker.de/wechsel-perfekt-bvb-bekommt-akanji-sofort-714978/artikel
Exactly, 18m base fee, including possible bonus payments a bit over 20m.
This. He was impressive in the last Euros.
I watch all Dortmund's games and I have to agree with you on this one. Makes too many mistakes.
This is one of the few cases were the truth really is in the middle - he is good. Not exceptional, not terrible, could absolutely be a valuable part of United's squad, he can be a starter depending on form and alternatives, but if United had 2 World class CBs he would probably be a backup.
That's where the problem lies, we paid a world class fee for a player who isn't.
I can see the logic if others are shipping out
We spoke about him a while ago mate and having someone of his profile is important, considering the past managers bought CBs who weren't suited to playing in a setup that requires CBs to play in a high defensive line. Akanji as we discussed before wouldn't have been the obvious choice but as a rotational player he'd be someone that would provide a variation and flexibility for a prospective coach that is missing right now. That would then allow us to prioritise the midfield and the CF positions.
Agree with this, while the transfer fee looks ok, the salary mentioned just makes him to expensive. You could apparently sign Rüdiger for that financial package, would make far more sense.
Those sort of wages should be for elite players, others contracts should be incentive laden, you achieve the goals you get paid more. Give them something to aim for. Think that is why a lot of our problems lie. Players say they want to win this and win that, but some get so much money the drive to win trophies goes. I think they want to win, but the money they get heals the disappointment.
We could be losing a couple of CB's, so a cheaper option would be good business, then the major money can go on the desperate need of the team.
You forgot that in our brilliant language the verb, containing the most vital information, comes last
Yes, but historically we don't sign more than 3 or 4 players for the first team and we already have 4 or 5 other positions that will need filling.
Ah let's just close the message board down then, wait until everything is confirmed before we can discuss things.
Lack of CL experience might be a reason.
Nobody has CL experience until they get the chance to play in it.
I doubt that is a hindrance to signing a player. God help us if it is. We're not in the summer yet though so not much rumours will be flying in. We might not even want a CB
Probably depends a lot on if United look for a CB and for which purpose. Squad option who potentially might become great? Schlotterbeck would be fine.
Agreed.
You can discuss things, but it just seems incredibly weird to blame the club for something they haven't done. Also, the people who gave new contracts to Jones, Bailly, Mata, and Sanchez aren't even at the club now.
Edited for you, mmkay pumpkin?
Have to buy a new goalkeeper too.
Came here to say that. Can add Tuanzebe to that too. We make a signing, cut 2/3 players and save a lot of money over the next few years. I don’t think he’ll ever mature into our best defender though. I was kind of hoping this 4th slot would go to someone who is young, always fit and has obvious WC potential to lead the defence when Maguire and Varane start dropping off. It’s still a good deal though. Any first experienced teamer we can get at this point for £25 million is better business than we have been doing. The sales of the other players cover his fee and the wage bill drops.
Not a dig at Switzerland but given their pool of defenders, you'd expect him to be their best defender. He was good at the Euros last year though. I've not watched Dortmund this season, but did a lot over the past few years and while I've not been impressed with him, the way Dortmund play football is not easy for a CB as they're often exposed.
