For me the priority is at the back, and it is a serious problem as things stand. We need to use either the loan market, free agents, or spend what little we have to address this. We need at least one, probably two senior, proven central defenders who are battle-hardened and ready. They don't have to be world-beaters.
We simply cannot go into the season with a back three of Canvot, Riad, and Richards. Though Canvot and Riad both showed some promise and we probably all expect big things of the former, neither has shown themselves able to produce over a long season in the premier league. In Riad's case, doubts remain over his fitness. Richards is good and solid, but is he good enough to play in the central/sweeper role? I have no strong reason to think so. It will be critical to have a very good player in that role to cover the inexperienced and inconsistent players we seem likely to use. Plus, what if one or two get injured? All our cover options would be round pegs in a square hole.
I would certainly take a punt on Tomiyasu, unless the medical shows a total horror show. I would also try and get Disasi, whether on loan or permanently even if the price is steep. I'd even look at the likes of Adam Webster. Perhaps we find a new Andy Linighan type, a bit like when West Ham bought Craig Dawson for about a fiver. All their fans went mad but he was brilliant for them.
We are not in a strong position to be fussy now. Not every signing will be perfect in terms of age, sell on value, status etc.
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