24 Mar 2021 08:28:41
Hi Ed002

Would you be able to provide a summer update on where might be strengthened this summer. Seems like priority might be a forward last summers update mentioned Martinez as an Aguero replacement, Ings mentioned elsewhere and Haaland rumoured.

{Ed002's Note - Right now the main buy will be a striker or versatile forward and that is what I will deal with here:
Ings (S) I am not aware of any approach by Manchester City.
Lionel Messi (F) The plan was to leave in the summer although a new contract might be possible, but he would need to take a significant cut in wages. In terms of clubs who could potentially put a suitable package together, there would only likely be Manchester City (who could have used Gabriel Jesus and Eric Garcia in exchange last summer but don't want plans disrupted and have already agreed the sale of Garcia this summer), Juventus (who can likely be discounted as they are working to a fixed plan for other targets), PSG (who could have looked to use Neymar in a deal last summer - but they would be less attractive to the player and Neymar is no longer in the plans of Barcelona) and Inter Milan (who had the chance to offer Lautaro Martinez in any transaction and Javier Zanetti could yet look to sell the project and tax laws which would keep the cost to the club to lower than competitors). Other sides who are financially in a position to take him (Bayern Munich, Chelsea etc.) have other plans. He will have no interest in playing in China or the Middle East. My expectation is that Messi will stay another year or two years with Aguero joining Barcelona which will likely cheer him up.
Lautaro Martinez (S) Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico, Chelsea, Manchester City and Bayern Munich have all scouted him but a move to Barcelona, who see LM as a potential Suarez replacement, proved difficult to complete. Inter wanted at least €80M in a single cash payment or €100M on terms - and that proved difficult for Barcelona. Manchester City see him as a potential Aguero replacement but thought the price to high last summer. Inter Milan plan on putting together a package which will see him sign a long-term deal. I would strike him from the list.
Darwin Nunez (S) Only moved last summer but there is growing interest in the player and Manchester City remain very keen.
Alexander Isak (S) Michael Zorc wants to take him back from Real Sociedad regardless of any different wishes of the new coach at Borussia Dortmund. Manchester City have a desire to add the player as a squad member but not as a Aguero replacement. Real Sociedad have financial woes and may take the opportunity to profit.
Erling Braut Haaland (S) It would take a lot of money plus a player or two in exchange to make it work in 2021 for Real Madrid, and that would only be the case if Mbappe does not sign in the summer, which is looking to likely be the case right now with him staying in Paris a year or two more - but EH is still potentially a priority for Real Madrid in 2022 unless something changes during next season. And if the money stretches, there will also be interest from Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Chelsea and Juventus - although Bayern Munich have priorities to deal with in defence and Juventus accept their focus is on someone else. I expect Manchester City and Chelsea to push this coming summer although Dortmund will resist a sale in the summer but may commit to a 2022 sale to try and protect their interests. The financial problems at Dortmund will drive plenty of sales this year, but if the fail to qualify for the Champions League then they will lose their position of power with Haaland. There is a slim chance Barcelona could also look to him in 2022. A cash offer from Chelsea interests his representative and Dortmund would push for a player from Chelsea as well - although they would need to wait a year before he can join. Manchester City had a preferred first choice target as an Aguero replacement, but he will almost certainly not be available now, so their focus will shift.
Ali Akman (F) Bursopor rejected an offer from Galatasaray for the youngster who has attracted the attention of a number of sides who have been able to scout some of the games. Bursopor want an auction in January as he is running down his contract and were hoping to raise €5M, which is what they have asked RBS, who have met to discuss the player, to pay. Manchester City, Leicester City, Sassuolo, Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea and Lille are all known to have scouted the player but he decided on a Pre-Contract with Eintract Frankfurt where he has been promised game time. Scratch him for now – but clubs will continue to look at him moving forward.
Romelu Lukaku (S) is not first choice and probably not going to happen for Manchester City. PSG will perhaps look to the player and have players they can include in an offer to Inter.
Harry Kane (S) If the player decides he wants a step up in his career then Manchester United might be willing to meet any demands that Spurs have. As for Manchester City and Real Madrid, he would be a fallback position and not first choice.}

1.) 31 Mar 2021
30 Mar 2021 20:39:52
Hi Ed02 brilliant info. Can you just clear up and friendly argument please. When you say Dourtmund may commit to a sale in 2022 do you mean January 2022? Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - No, clubs don't commit to January sales.}

2.) 31 Mar 2021
31 Mar 2021 12:22:52
Sorry for my lack of knowledge but if not Jan 2022, then when in 2022, as his clause is activates in June 2022.

{Ed002's Note - In the summer of 2022 - it is unrelated to any clauses.}

3.) 20 May 2021
20 May 2021 11:29:41
Good morning Ed’s hope everything is good your end. Following the news of Kane probable departure from Spurs does this effect anything above, or has much changed from this.

{Ed002's Note - It depends on several factors. Assuming the coach stays, what happens with other players will play a part - Lautaro Martinez will definately not now be available which means the focus of a first choice solution will shift to Kane but there is support at the club to press for Haaland this summer as well.}