What + who are our top summer 2026 targets?

bb8

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For me, in order of importance:
  1. Defensive midfield: a high-end, young replacement for Casemiro. Top targets: Baleba or Wharton
  2. Left sided - Wide attacking talent: our attack is now overweighted on the center (Sesko, Cunha, Bruno) and right side (Mbeumo, Amad) of the pitch. I think we need a high-end left sided player, either LW or LWB depending on our system by then. Not sure who the target players would be
  3. Left footed CB: with most of our CBs right footed other than the aging/hurt Shaw and Licha and the young Heaven, this seems like a need. Probably could target a young player, especially if we move to a 4-3-3. Haven't heard any names in the last couple years other than Branthwaite, but he needs to put together a prolonged injury free stretch
  4. Box-to-box midfield depth: add someone to compete with Mainoo/Bruno. Ideal is Angelo Stiller; if too expensive/unobtainable, could go with more developmental players like Lamine Camara
 
bb8 said:
  1. Left footed CB: with most of our CBs right footed other than the aging/hurt Shaw and Licha and the young Heaven, this seems like a need. Probably could target a young player, especially if we move to a 4-3-3. Haven't heard any names in the last couple years other than Branthwaite, but he needs to put together a prolonged injury free stretch
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I wonder if we can get in Guehi's ear for a free transfer next summer. Likely Pool will go for him in Jan but a lot of things can change in a year. He'd be the perfect LCB for us.
 
CM, CM, CCB (if Amorim is still in charge).
 
If Casemiro, Bruno, Ugarte go, and we've pissed off Mainoo enough that he still wants to leave, we need 4x central midfielders.
 
athletic press resistant CM, First choice GK, senior LWB, creative CM, Pacy modern CB in this order.

CM is a must, GK depends on Lemmens. LWB to never see Dalot again, replacement for Bruno if he goes to Saudi, New fast CB = nice to have
 
still muppetting. OK then

1) In an ideal world Bruno and Mainoo step up.
Mainoo successor to Bruno. So we only need 1 starting CM- Baleba and 1 more for numbers - Quintin Timber on a free.
2) LWB - Semenyo
3) CB - Steal Guihi from the scousers
 
My guess is Casemiro and Bruno will leave next summer, and we'll have a new manager who goes back to a 4231/433. With that assumption, top targets should be:
  • Physical and energetic ball winner - Baleba
  • Natural Deep playmaker - Stiller or Wharton
  • Left winger - Semenyo
Beyond that depends on where we finish this season IMO. I'd say a left back would come in next, as Shaw is probably not going to last long, Amass not far enough along and Dorgu probably not quite good enough. But that would be the stretch target and no idea who we'd look at.
Lineup and squad players could be something like this (Zirzkee backup CF but just fitting into an 11):

Sesko
Semenyo Cunha Mbeumo
Stiller Baleba
Dorgu Yoro De Ligt Mazraoui
Lammens

Chido
Mount Zirzkee Amad
Mainoo Ugarte
Shaw Martinez Heaven Dalot
Altay​
 
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Really difficult to say now, but assuming Sesko and Lammens work out.

1. Two CMs. Should be good physically and comfortable on the ball.
2. RWB. Proper wingback that can bomb up and down the line.
3. LCB. Preferably left footed with pace and ball skills. This is assuming Shaw and Martinez still can’t really be trusted.
 
bosnian_red said:
My guess is Casemiro and Bruno will leave next summer, and we'll have a new manager who goes back to a 4231/433. With that assumption, top targets should be:
  • Physical and energetic ball winner - Baleba
  • Natural Deep playmaker - Stiller or Wharton
  • Left winger - Semenyo
Beyond that depends on where we finish this season IMO. I'd say a left back would come in next, as Shaw is probably not going to last long, Amass not far enough along and Dorgu probably not quite good enough. But that would be the stretch target and no idea who we'd look at.
Lineup and squad players could be something like this (Zirzkee backup CF but just fitting into an 11):

Sesko
Semenyo Cunha Mbeumo
Stiller Baleba
Dorgu Yoro De Ligt Mazraoui
Lammens

Chido
Mount Zirzkee Amad
Mainoo Ugarte
Shaw Martinez Heaven Dalot
Altay​
Click to expand...
I agree with pretty much everything you've said. Amorim will most likely be sacked and we get a coach who prefers the classic 4-2-3-1/4-3-3. Casemiro gone and likely Bruno as well. I'm not sure what is going to happen with Mainoo(if he is sold that is another extra midfielder on the list, plus he doesn't want to accept not being a starter and you've put him as a squad player).

Baleba, Stiller, Semenyo top targets. I would like to see our fullback options upgraded(both left and right, they're far from great/elite), but next summer will still be too early for that, I suppose.
 
bb8 said:
For me, in order of importance:
  1. Defensive midfield: a high-end, young replacement for Casemiro. Top targets: Baleba or Wharton
  2. Left sided - Wide attacking talent: our attack is now overweighted on the center (Sesko, Cunha, Bruno) and right side (Mbeumo, Amad) of the pitch. I think we need a high-end left sided player, either LW or LWB depending on our system by then. Not sure who the target players would be
  3. Left footed CB: with most of our CBs right footed other than the aging/hurt Shaw and Licha and the young Heaven, this seems like a need. Probably could target a young player, especially if we move to a 4-3-3. Haven't heard any names in the last couple years other than Branthwaite, but he needs to put together a prolonged injury free stretch
  4. Box-to-box midfield depth: add someone to compete with Mainoo/Bruno. Ideal is Angelo Stiller; if too expensive/unobtainable, could go with more developmental players like Lamine Camara
Click to expand...
Not a lot I would change from what you've listed but I would add a new RWB and depth at ST.

Assuming we've had a spotless summer with Sesko and Lammens both proving to be starting quality for us, over the next two windows we would need to address:

1. DM
2. LWB
3. CB (Central)
4. CM
+ RWB
+ ST (Back-up)

The midfield composition will be interesting to see what direction we go for. I personally like the idea of Angelo Stiller as a highly progressive passer to replace Bruno, alongside a super physical type such as Baleba. Other options I like are of course Wharton (but his injuries concern me slightly), Elliot Anderson, Alex Scott at Bournemouth who I think could have a break out season this year, Man Utd Kone who seemed to have a good year at Roma last year, and Djaoui Cisse who could be a cheap Baleba alternative after another year developing at Rennes.

I also think if we are going to invest in a new CB then we need to find the Central CB that suits Amorim’s system. Currently De Ligt is doing a decent job but I still think Amorim wants more from his CB when in possession. The option I’m most intrigued about is Giorgio Scalvini at Atalanta provided he has a good year without injuries. We also still have Martinez, Shaw and Heaven, so I think we wait another season for Shaw’s contract to end whilst giving Martinez a chance to prove his fitness and Heaven to prove he’s good enough, before investing in an LCB.

Dream signings over the next two windows would be:

DM - Carlos Baleba - £100m
LWB - TBD (someone with pace and a good cross) - £30m
CB - Giorgio Scalvini - £50m
CM - Angelo Stiller - £65m
RWB - Michael Kayode (depends how he develops this year at Brentford) - £35m
ST - Rodrigo Muniz (out of contract) - £0m
 
bosnian_red said:
My guess is Casemiro and Bruno will leave next summer, and we'll have a new manager who goes back to a 4231/433. With that assumption, top targets should be:
  • Physical and energetic ball winner - Baleba
  • Natural Deep playmaker - Stiller or Wharton
  • Left winger - Semenyo
Beyond that depends on where we finish this season IMO. I'd say a left back would come in next, as Shaw is probably not going to last long, Amass not far enough along and Dorgu probably not quite good enough. But that would be the stretch target and no idea who we'd look at.
Lineup and squad players could be something like this (Zirzkee backup CF but just fitting into an 11):

Sesko
Semenyo Cunha Mbeumo
Stiller Baleba
Dorgu Yoro De Ligt Mazraoui
Lammens

Chido
Mount Zirzkee Amad
Mainoo Ugarte
Shaw Martinez Heaven Dalot
Altay​
Click to expand...
As much as I don't like the pessimism about us having a new manager, that 1st XI would be frighteningly good. Not a bad second string either.
 
Here’s a thought, how about we work under the general presumption we have a half decent year and therefore Amorim doesn’t get sacked, huh? You know, because we’re actual fans of the club?

It’s going to be all about the midfielders, we will need 2-4 assuming players leave. I could see us going for another proper ball playing CB because they’re so important in Amorim’s system.
 
bb8 said:
For me, in order of importance:
  1. Defensive midfield: a high-end, young replacement for Casemiro. Top targets: Baleba or Wharton
  2. Left sided - Wide attacking talent: our attack is now overweighted on the center (Sesko, Cunha, Bruno) and right side (Mbeumo, Amad) of the pitch. I think we need a high-end left sided player, either LW or LWB depending on our system by then. Not sure who the target players would be
  3. Left footed CB: with most of our CBs right footed other than the aging/hurt Shaw and Licha and the young Heaven, this seems like a need. Probably could target a young player, especially if we move to a 4-3-3. Haven't heard any names in the last couple years other than Branthwaite, but he needs to put together a prolonged injury free stretch
  4. Box-to-box midfield depth: add someone to compete with Mainoo/Bruno. Ideal is Angelo Stiller; if too expensive/unobtainable, could go with more developmental players like Lamine Camara
Click to expand...

Probably two rather expensive midfielders, but in reality we actually don't know because we don't know how this team will play, where they will finish, whether Amorim or someone else is in charge next summer and a number of other unknowable variables.
 
philippexyz said:
I agree with pretty much everything you've said. Amorim will most likely be sacked and we get a coach who prefers the classic 4-2-3-1/4-3-3. Casemiro gone and likely Bruno as well. I'm not sure what is going to happen with Mainoo(if he is sold that is another extra midfielder on the list, plus he doesn't want to accept not being a starter and you've put him as a squad player).

Baleba, Stiller, Semenyo top targets. I would like to see our fullback options upgraded(both left and right, they're far from great/elite), but next summer will still be too early for that, I suppose.
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Mainoo I think is fine being a squad player for a team in Europe. Not enough minutes for that if we aren't though.

For fullbacks, I think Dalot and Mazraoui are a good duo for right backs and they're both far better at right back compared to wing back. Mazraoui especially is excellent at right back, but also I do like Dalot there, assuming he comes back to form when he's used correctly and not asked to carry the full attacking width & defend like wing backs need to.
 
I think we may even need 3 CM signings come 2026. We need two now, and by 2026 Casemiro and Ugarte will probably both be gone, and maybe even Bruno.

I guess it also depends on the progress the likes of Mainoo, Collyer and Kone make for example.
 
Yagami said:
I think we may even need 3 CM signings come 2026. We need two now, and by 2026 Casemiro and Ugarte will probably both be gone, and maybe even Bruno.

I guess it also depends on the progress the likes of Mainoo, Collyer and Kone make for example.
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Yes, I was just about to edit my post to say 3 CMs rather than 2.
 
In:
Baleba
Wharton

Out:
Casemiro
Ugarte

Would be a great start
 
711 said:
Yes, I was just about to edit my post to say 3 CMs rather than 2.
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You also make a good point in your initial post in that we could potentially start addressing this issue in January. Maybe one there and a couple more in the summer. That would be ideal because other areas need addressing, too, so starting on the midfield issue early in Jan could free up some time in the summer.

Others have mentioned it but I think LWB is a position is in "urgent upgrade" territory, too. Our LWB is always near the top in terms of who sees most of the ball for us, and Dorgu and Dalot aren't the players we need seeing that much of the ball.
 
Amorim will be sacked.
Shaw, Casemiro , Bruno and Mainoo will leave.

Midfield - Will sign Baleba, Wharton and one more
New left back.
A new left winger.

5 players coming in.
 
Baleba(casemiro replacement)
Wharton (bruno replacement)
Then id like Semenyo for left wing back.
But we probably need another midfielder
Right wing back
And centre half depending on Harry.
And maybe a striker depending on zirkzees season.
Wouldn't know how to prioritise them all though. Is amad and dorgu enough,suppose we will learn this season.
 
Ok, I see Casemiro and Ugarte(if he is not contributing) and maybe Bruno if we decide to cash in. I think there will at least be 2 midfielders, 1 should be a proven EPL player and another young talent. We need to really need senior LWB and replace Dalot as well. I would like to see a senior backup striker, we cannot just rely on Sesko. I expect 4-5 players coming and at the lower transfer fee.
 
Out:
Shaw
Dalot
Bayindir
Onana
Fernandes
Casemeiro
Ugarte
Dorgu
Martinez
Maguire

In:
Stiller
Baleba
RWB
LWB
CB
 
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The problem we could face is more issues in the team become apparent as the season goes on, and we have more positions to fill next summer than we anticipate now.

But the main thing is we get 2 top quality midfielders. We should use the end of Maguire's contract to move him on and start a new era of fast athletic defenders, with a new CB brought in.

Both Bayindir and Onana should be gone by next summer, so another goalkeeper will be needed whether that be first choice or someone to back up Lammens depending on how Lammens performs this season.

Unless Zirkzee has an unexpectedly great season it may be time to cash in and get someone in to provide better cover/competition for Sesko.
Dalot and Dorgu need to be assessed throughout the season as to whether cashing in would make sense and trying to upgrade.



Should also say a new manager could change things also. If we bring in a 433 manager, a left winger could be on the agenda as we got rid of our only one in Garnacho.
 
Vitek - integrated as valuable club trained option for europe.
Guehi - on a free and can take that DCL role in addition to leadership and domestic trained. I think he’d chose us over Liverpool as its a more natural fit.
Baleba - I think we’ll sign him this winter.
Semenyo - for LWB and depth in #10. He would also fill a domestic trained option.
—
Wharton
Or Lavia and Gallagher
 
AkaAkuma said:
Vitek - integrated as valuable club trained option for europe.
Guehi - on a free and can take that DCL role in addition to leadership and domestic trained. I think he’d chose us over Liverpool as its a more natural fit.
Baleba - I think we’ll sign him this winter.
Semenyo - for LWB and depth in #10. He would also fill a domestic trained option.
—
Wharton
Or Lavia and Gallagher
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Both Lavia and Wharton are injury prone.
 
A couple of midfielders probably.

I reckon Maguire and quite likely Martinez won't be here then so a centre back too.
 
Really hard to tell at this stage, we'd assume 2 CMs and a wingback + a GK
 
All new signings have to have:
  1. Good ball control and passing
  2. Press resistant
  3. and at least have a decent pace.
Please no more signing limited players like Fellaini, Blind, etc.

And no more squad players quality like Fred and Ugarte. If you allowed signing 1-2 of these kinds of players every summer, then after years your squad would be full of squad players
 
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