25 Jul 2014 16:27:28
Pretty much confirmed that it would need an offer AND/OR a transfer request for Vidal. From Marotta:

“There is no reason for him to leave. Yesterday he gave an interview in a rushed and embarrassed manner, as he was getting his luggage and so was misinterpreted.

“I can assure and confirm Vidal is happy to be with us and there’s no reason for alarm. He had these problems with the knee injury and rushing the recovery for the World Cup, so will take a while to find his fitness.

“Nobody can doubt the quality of the player, nor how strong his bond is with Juventus.”

Asked if he would be surprised if Vidal put in a transfer request Marotta responded: “Absolutely yes. It is a very remote chance, considering what the lad is like, and so I’m not even considering the possibility.

1.) 25 Jul 2014
I am not sure why some are getting their knickers in a twist over signing this fellow. I personally think someone of a more defensive minded nature is what's needed in CM. Ander and Juan with a strong CM behind them, would be the perfect mix. Vidal, from what I saw in the WC, is more Box-to-Box as opposed to an out and out holding player.

Of course, he is top quality; no doubting that; but I question the wisdom of people who suggest that if we don't sign him, we won't be able to challenge next season, is a bit ridiculous. A top CB and solid DM type player, will enable us -IMO- to challenge next season.

We have no European football next season, and a squad of players' who will show far more desire under the new manager, so I for one am expecting big improvements regardless of big name signings. I mean, Herrera is going to be an absolute star for us next season; and I for one think he is the best possible signing we could have hoped for this season, as he adds so much of what we have been missing. The same goes for shaw, who I think will thrive in the wing-back role. Then there's some of the younger players' at the club. A few of them have the potential to shone under LVG; and I for one would much rather see a James or a Blackett come into the first team and have a blinder, then splash a ridiculous amount of money on players' who might not step up.

That is just my opinion anyway.

2.) 25 Jul 2014
You mean we'd have to make an offer to sign a player? Who'dve thunk it!

3.) 25 Jul 2014
To be fair, we have signed two player's already. I expect we will sign more; although they might not be the big stellar names that fans' want.

The manager will sign player's he believes will best compliment his system of play.

His track record, as far as big name signings go, isn't that impressive, so I see no reason why he will buck that trend.

4.) 25 Jul 2014
I agree with you samthered. Too much is being made of Vidal being make or break for the club. I think most important for us is to get another 2 good defenders in. We have plenty going forward to challenge, but a back 3 of Evans, Smalling and Jones terrifies me. I still think Jones has the potential to become world class, but he would really benefit from playing beside a Hummels or someone.

I watched the game against the Galaxy and in the second half it was so clear how much of an impression Flecther had on Blackett and Keane in terms of organizing them. I think getting a top drawer CB, to do the same thing to Jones and Smalling is the priority.

5.) 25 Jul 2014
I don't disagree, but for me, the only DM we have any hope of signing, is Nigel de effing Jong.

And if that's what we need to "watch this space"over, I'm going to be gutted.

I've been optimistic this summer, but looking at the options we have (realistic) for CB, LB cover and DM, I'm dreading the rest of this window.

I thin that, YET AGAIN, we've been had.