04 Jun 2020 20:32:05
Slight change of topic perhaps from all things United, but what are the big transfers you guys see happening this summer, and which big clubs will be strongest or make most progress next season.

Personally I can see Bayern being incredibly strong next year, but they're arguably favourites for the Champions League this year. Barcelona I think have a lot of rebuilding to do, what with Messi, Busquets, Pique, and even Alba getting on somewhat, combined with their poor spending in recent years.

City I suspect will spend big on a centre back whatever happens with their ban, maybe another centre mid, and a winger perhaps if Sane goes to Bayern as he quite possibly will.

1.) 05 Jun 2020
05 Jun 2020 11:33:52
I'm not sure we will see many "big" transfers this summer. Chelsea if they sign Werner along with Ziyech who was signed in January are a decent left back away from being a much stronger side.

Bayern if they sign Sane will be a strong side, although Muller and Lewandowski has been key players for them this year and both are getting older. They need a striker to replace Lewandowski.

Barcelona are in a financial mess, their side is ageing, and due to high wages they will struggle to bring in many high earners.

Real Madrid will be interesting to see what they do, they have some excellent young players, so the don't need to spend too much.

How much PSG spend will depend on whether Neymar or Mbappe leave which looks unlikely.

City have a strong side, they could do with a defensive partner for Laporte, but many of City's signings will depend on the outcome of the court case I would imagine.

Liverpool don't have a desperate need, just one or two squad players refreshed to keep players on their toes next season.

Spurs and Arsenal will be shopping in the bargain bucket.

Dortmund have a very strong young team, much depends on whether Sancho leaves this summer or not.

{Ed002's Note - Bayern Munich are not looking to replace Lewandowski this year and Muller has just agreed a new contract.}

2.) 05 Jun 2020
05 Jun 2020 15:07:58
Ed002, I'm aware they want to keep him next year. But I do think they need some quality competition/ rotation option in the striker position. If Lewandowski picks up a serious injury next season the options to stand in for him aren't great. Either push Muller forward or play young Zirkzee.
However, I think Bayern are in the same position as Spurs where they have a clear and obvious first choice striker and they are looking for someone to come in and sit on the bench most weeks. That makes it hard to find players of the right quality happy to do that.

{Ed002's Note - Bayern Munich already have two very good youngsters in Fiete Arp and Joshua Zirkzee who has been promoted to the first team squad.}

3.) 05 Jun 2020
05 Jun 2020 18:09:11
I have a feeling Coutinho might go to Chelsea, but if they sign Werner then I suppose that would be unlikely. Either way, they probably only need a left back and another centre back to really challenge. I suspect Barcelona will try negotiate a deal for Neymar involving Dembele, though it would probably see them still paying for him long after he retires. Pjanic is also wanted at Barcelona which makes me wonder whether Juventus might allow him to leave for the right price, and try to sign Jorginho to replace him.

{Ed002's Note - Chelsea have had no discussions about Coutinho.}

4.) 06 Jun 2020
06 Jun 2020 11:32:24
I always feel Bayern almost shop at tier below most over teams.

5.) 06 Jun 2020
06 Jun 2020 13:33:55
Utd Road, Bayern have a very clear structure and strategy when it comes to recruitment. They rarely get involved in bidding wars for top established players.

They look for players with world class potential and bring them into an already established side. Often choosing to shop in the Bundesliga as that means that players adapt easier while they also weaken their opponents.

Many people point to Barcelona or Real Madrid as a model we should adopt, but for me what Bayern do is far better. Bringing players through their academy, purchasing the best players from their league and looking to bring in players who they can lift into the world class category rather than bringing in players already considered world class.