18to18

If Wilf and Mendy are offering 3 combined key passes, progressive passes and dribbles, and Hamza is offering .5 combined, this is significant each 90.

Comparably, they are. By key passes, progressive passes, dribbles those two (though far behind our attacking players) are over the horizon from Hamza.

If an Nuno doesn't have to glance at Hamza, he can focus on locking down Youri and Maddison, which he did today. If Hamza cannot offer anything forward, perhaps he should switch to the back?

He's 23, Wilf 24. This is his game. I commend his service at the Club, but we should be honest about his limitations.

I see the same. Holding the ball for an extra moment if you can pick a pass can work out. But he holds for no purpose and allows the opponent to find shape.

This lunge to block and throw his arm in the air, this new? Twice this match he's done it. Horrible habit.

Still want to land Sima or Faivre in the summer, however, prudent and efficient seems to be the undercurrent, my new suggestion: 9: Janni Serra, Holstein Kiel: 22 year-old German CF. 193 cm (6' 4") with pace and dribbling ability, strong in the air. Previously in Dortmund's system, he smashed the U17 and U19 Bundesliga, tore his ACL and MCL at age 18 playing at the U19 Euros. As often happens, injuries forced him into the background. Dortmund II loaned him to Bochum and eventually sold him to Kiel. Recovery began in earnest at Kiel where in 18/19 he posted 10 goals and 5 assists for 15 contributions in 30 appearances and 2198 minutes played - a goal contribution every 146 minutes played. In the shortened 19/20, he posted 7 goals and 3 assists for 10 contributions in 19 appearances and 1389 minutes played - a goal contribution every 93 minutes played. This season, he's hit his stride, posting 7 goals and 1 assist for 8 contributions in 19 appearances and 1280 minutes played - a goal contribution every 160 minutes played, which seems like a wobble, BUT the goals are still adding in: 18/19: goal every 220 minutes 19/20: goal every 198 minutes 20/21: goal every 182 minutes Cost: Contract expires in June, so he comes in on a free. Summary: Big, Strong, fast, aerial CF scores a goal each week and comes in on a free. SIGN HIS PRE-CONTRACT TODAY.

But Josh King is not decent. He wouldn't get a single minute in this squad.

There should be some cash about. Demari's fee + the balance of Slimani's salary + the balance of Demari's salary = a decent down payment on someone. I'm done beating the dead Faivre horse now.

Use the $3 million from Demari and tack on $2 million more - $5 million now to Brest for Faivre - $9 million next year. Done.

Brest is looking for $14 million for Faivre . https://www.90min.com/posts/romain-faivre-things-to-know-brest-man-utd-psg-french-transfer I'd love to see a last minute surprise for him like Praet. More on Faivre https://www.ligue1.com/Articles/LIGUE-1-SHOW/2021/01/29/romain-faivre-brest-s-emerging-midfield-force

He's been unable to change his playstyle at all. He creates his own dangerous situations and can't recognize it. He'll be an injury waiting to happen as long as he plays the game.

Doesn't particularly fit our recent signing profiles, either.

After watching that.... I'll reiterate the need for Sima and Faivre.

Considered that for a bit. There are no incoming pressures other than a summer decision on Ünder's permanent move for £22 million. There is some baggage they can offload in January: Slimani's wage Gray's wage with any fee a wonderful net. Loan out Iheanacho; Brighton can't score, perhaps they will pay his wage for 6 months? Sima is probably out of the question, given his tie to Praha in Europa. Botman as a bargain's ship has probably sailed; he's winning praise from everyone now. Moving for Faivre probably creates a midfield jam right now. Perhaps my wish list isn't right for them in January, but I think off-loading those wages would give enough breathing room for a smaller, targeted transfer.

Finances or roster jam?

And if you need a younger, bigger, stronger version of Ayoze: Adam Hlozek, Sparta Praha. 18 years old, plays as a RW or second striker.

My January wish list: 9: Abdallah Sima, Slavia Praha: 19 year-old Senegalese center forward. Tall and lanky, strong in the air, speedy. Has an awkward gait - not like Haaland, but different. Wriggles out of what seem like certain tackles. Had a few excellent performances in the Europa League. Obviously not Vardy, but I noticed Vardy-like movements and runs from him. 10: Romain Faivre, Brest: 22 year-old French attacking midfielder. Left-footed, free-kick merchant. Over 2 key passes per match. But covers well and is physical when he has to be. More physical, left-footed version of Mads? 5: Sven Botman, Lille: 20 year-old Dutch left-footed central defender. Mountain of a young man at the same size as Van Dijk but he moves very well. Ajax cut him loose and he's been a force for Lille so far. Not certain what to do about the wings, because I'm still not certain what our manager needs out of his wings based on whichever system he's playing. But get these three in and you've got a Vardy understudy, more attacking intent to break down blocks in the midfield, and another young monstrous (but left-footed!) man at the back. Depth everywhere and a solid squad to make the run in and bolster European dreams.