03 Jun 2018 19:25:24
Umtiti new 5 year deal with Barcelona. One less centre back target now which leads me to think Alderwireld is now our number 1 target.

Another example of a player using speculation to get a better contract?

{Ed0333's Note - alderwireld is a far better player than Umtiti and knows how to play in the Premiership. You can’t go wrong with Toby he’ll be a super signing for you if you get him.

1.) 03 Jun 2018
03 Jun 2018 20:15:00
He wasn’t using speculation. Simply, his agent told the club he wanted a better contract, and used the fact that other clubs were willing to meet his buyout clause for leverage. Player has always said he’s happy at Barca, but wants a wage comparable to teammates.

2.) 03 Jun 2018
03 Jun 2018 20:20:33
I was hoping he was first choice Ed!

I've always questioned Umtiti's attitude so I'm glad to know we are looking elsewhere.

3.) 03 Jun 2018
03 Jun 2018 19:55:50
Spot on ed he is a top player. Will be delighted if he signs.

4.) 03 Jun 2018
03 Jun 2018 21:47:40
Agreed Park. Hope we can sign him. And hope bailly can partner him.

5.) 03 Jun 2018
03 Jun 2018 22:40:01
Agreed AAA bailly must start. No excuses for him not playing if he is fit. I’m a massive fan and think he could be up there with the best. Bailly and Alderweireld pairing would be as good as anyone in league.

6.) 04 Jun 2018
04 Jun 2018 07:04:51
Not our money of course and money is one topic to spark a row on here but. most of the tabloids saying today as they did last week its 75 mill for Alderweireld . I know he has a release clause next season for 25 mill . but really 75 mill? even if we knock them down 6-7 mill that's really top dollar for a fella coming off a long injury.

7.) 04 Jun 2018
04 Jun 2018 10:59:03
If we have that partnership, Bailly and Alderweireld then I would expect our back line higher and start to see more committed forward.

8.) 04 Jun 2018
04 Jun 2018 11:00:27
Read somewhere that JM was fed up with Bailly being in/ out of the team throughout season (returning from injuries/ Africa cup etc) so wouldn’t surprise me if he went.

Maybe JM was making a point to him at end of season to sort himself out.