2024/2025 Defenders Rumours Thread

[wera]

Most people didn't believe Acerbi would be this good for us either, so... just let the management cook. We've conceded too many goals this season and it's time to get a new no.1 CB.

 

[CraigM]

We can all agree Acerbi has been a great signing, but you know, at his age we have to move on from him sometime and that time is sooner rather than later. Our transfer policy for the past 4-5 years has been restricted to patching up the most pressing areas of the squad and I'm hoping we can start to move to a model where we are proactive and pre-emptive in moving on players reaching the end of their time, rather than waiting for them to collapse totally and be stuck with them taking up squad space.

 

[Il Drago]

In Germany they report Tah still doesn't have an agreement with Barcelona and Bayern could be back in the mix.

Go grab him. You won't find anyone better within our budget.

 

[Abu Bader]

I haven't watched Tah enough, but on the few occasions I watched he didn't really seem a massive improvement on our current cbs

 

[NimAraya]

I haven't watched Tah enough, but on the few occasions I watched he didn't really seem a massive improvement on our current cbs

Is that a compliment? Cause if it's not, it's not a bad thing. Just being as good as our current CBs is good enough.

 

[#NotForMe]

In Germany they report Tah still doesn't have an agreement with Barcelona and Bayern could be back in the mix.

Go grab him. You won't find anyone better within our budget.

how good is he? compare to our own CBs; like where you put him in between in the packing order?

 

[BasedGodPunk]

Tah is too old for Oak Tree. Better off not even letting the idea get into your head.

 

[Rodani]

honestly i'll get tah or boscagli just because theyre free and invest in a top cb prospect but the one i like its already taken (luka vuskovic)

 

[Abu Bader]

Is that a compliment? Cause if it's not, it's not a bad thing. Just being as good as our current CBs is good enough.

I love Acerbi and De Vrij and they've done a good job yes.

But why should we go for Tah and pay him more than them if he's not going to an improvement?

 

[NimAraya]

I love Acerbi and De Vrij and they've done a good job yes.

But why should we go for Tah and pay him more than them if he's not going to an improvement?

Because he's 4 years younger than de Vrij and 8 years younger than Acerbi?

 

[Il Drago]

how good is he? compare to our own CBs; like where you put him in between in the packing order?

Definitely ahead of De Vrij. I would prefer a fully fit Acerbi at top form but he's 37 and he already had fitness issues this year. No one knows if he can stay fit next year.

 

[RickyMaravilla'sRightFoot]

Definitely ahead of De Vrij. I would prefer a fully fit Acerbi at top form but he's 37 and he already had fitness issues this year. No one knows if he can stay fit next year.

He could only be relied upon as part-time contributor next season if he stays. The injuries will pile up and he will miss more and more games. So unless we want De Vrij picking up all the slack with no heir apparent, we better find our guy this summer.

 

[DARi0]

In Germany they report Tah still doesn't have an agreement with Barcelona and Bayern could be back in the mix.

Go grab him. You won't find anyone better within our budget.

I've read that Xabi Alonso wants to bring Tah to Real.

Besides, he's beyond Oaktree's age requirement.

 

[Jnr]

,

 

[Steevee]

The Lucumi dude was quite impressive a few weeks back.

 

[Stefan]

The Lucumi dude was quite impressive a few weeks back.

If you watch him over a season you will see a lot of bad mistakes. He has too many of those moments to be an inter defender.

If you want examples watch Atalanta 2-0 Bologna. His partner beukema is the more reliable if less flashy.

 

[CafeCordoba]

Followed those two vs Juve.

Lucumi was having a masterclass while Beukema felt a bit shaky, passes were all over the place, lost one aerial battle pretty badly but luckily was offside.

We are linked to both, so let's see what happens, if anything.

Beukema has contract till 2027, Lucumi till 2026.

 

[pier]

I think Lucumi would be a better option and more realistic target for us.
He's in the last year of his contract and still 26, and rumor says he is available for around 18 million euros.

He is a left-footed centerback who fits well with Bastoni's left-center-back (LCB) position. He can also play center CB if needed.
We have seen how vulnerable our defense can be overwhelmed when Bastoni is taken out of the game.
We need more solid defenders on the team.

Carlos Augusto did a good job in this position, especially when going forward. But I think he is a better player in his original position, as left wing-back.
Lucumi is also good with the ball. His calmness and composure would be a great fit for our gameplay, and his successful take-ons would also be a great addition.

There aren't many left-footed CBs out there who are as good as or better than Bastoni when it comes to these stats or just the successful take-ons.
There are some interesting names like Nico Schlotterbeck, Castello Lukeba, and Micky van de Ven, who might have some similarities to Bastoni, but none of them seem realistic.

Spoiler: more charts

 

[Capo]

I really don't pay attention to these Moneyball stats.

Defending requires someone who makes excellent decisions with the ball, has composure, and understands the basics effortlessly.

I am just shocked that this league/country used to turn their best juniors into defenders (Nesta) and now the cupboard is bare.

 

[CraigM]

I think both those Bologna central defenders are very good players and was especially impressed with Lucumi against Juventus. If he were a few years younger than the Dutchman I would favour him, but he looks a little raw for a 26-year-old, even if his great pace and athleticism allows him to recover mistakes easily enough. He reminds me a little bit of Bisseck.