So by the end of the next summer window we will likely only have one player in the squad who we’d rather not have there (I don’t see anyone matching McCarthy’s terms)
The next few months will be interesting regarding contract extensions. Main one being Elyounoussi. I’d suggest he is the weakest link in our first choice starting eleven (along with a clinical central striker but those are very expensive and half the league wants one) - especially if you subscribe to the idea of certain players being better impact subs given five subs are allowed. I don’t see the point in extending his contract that is rumoured to be a hefty one since I would like to think we are looking to upgrade on him. And his wages are too high for a bench player for us - partly why we have agreed to let Redmond and Romeu go
What are his traits supposed to be that make Ralph seem to want to use him as a starter? What sort of players fit that mould in terms of upgrades?
I do wonder whose place Gakpo would have taken if he had signed - Armstrong’s or Elyounoussi’s. Academic question of course
Personally I think ultimately we will want a better 8 who can play in advanced 8 better than Ely, threading the passes quicker..I'd then see someone come in younger to push Aribo in that right sided 10 Personally. Then hopefully look at bringing in a striker and a left sided 10. I Personally think we only really need 3 players next summer to push us on again.