Replacing Casemiro

[croadyman]

That is my preferred option - no issues with Casemiro staying another year but we really should be signing two CMs over the next 1-2 summers so we can transition him out by 2026. Ideally, we can sign two CM in summer 2025 but we have so many gaps.

Yeah there is no chance we will be signing two CM's this summer, however the idea of one now and another in 2026 does seem much more viable

 

[devilish]

I genuinely think we will pass on all these free agents, strange when we keep pleading poverty

That's because free transfers are usually a poisoned chalice. Let me explain. The player would ask some 10m on a signing on fee with the agent asking some 5m in agent fees. Then he'll also ask for a huge salary as he's on a free. That's well and good if he's a top player but it gets 'complicated' if he happens to be shit and the club wants to get rid of him.

 

[devilish]

Yeah there is no chance we will be signing two CM's this summer, however the idea of one now and another in 2026 does seem much more viable

It depends if Casemiro leaves but it looks unlikely

 

[Big Ben Foster]

That's because free transfers are usually a poisoned chalice. Let me explain. The player would ask some 10m on a signing on fee with the agent asking some 5m in agent fees. Then he'll also ask for a huge salary as he's on a free. That's well and good if he's a top player but it gets 'complicated' if he happens to be shit and the club wants to get rid of him.

Yes - the wage issue is particularly problematic as it can have a knock-on effect on a club's wage structure.

The myth that Bosman transfers are "free" (particularly for quality, in-demand players) needs to be dispelled with. The only real advantage to them is the fact that you're not funding a potential rival.