Right now as things stand before we do anything, if we want to maintain our position we probably need a CM defensive option as well as a creative/box-to-box type to replace some of the skills that Dembele bought to the team. So that's potentially 2 signings. Onomah probably going too.
We have Dier, Sissoko and Wanyama as DM options. If two go we'll need one in, otherwise no DM at all.
I really think we need a better b2b option to replace Dembele, so would look to reinforce there. UNLESS - Alli is earmarked for the role. Something I actually think he would be excellent at. Because....
Eriksen is likely gone. That's another signing needed to replace what he brings: vision, goal scoring, creativity and tempo setting.
...there is no replacing Eriksen. So I think we may well change up our system a bit to accommodate.
I would expect some quality in, but not necessarily in the same position/style.
Alderwiereld. Quite possible he'll go though not a foregone conclusion. I guess we have future-proofed ourselevs a bit more in this area as we have already signed young good CBs who are slowly being able to deputise for him as it is in Sanchez and Foyth. However, it could be argued we also need to future proof ourselves for when Vertoghen has to be replaced. Not sure we have fully done that yet, in that apart from maybe Davies we don't have a left-sided CB option yet ready to deputise. If we do indeed use Davies in that way, then we'll need another left-back to challenge Rose (assuming he doesn't go).
So that another signing. Number 4.
Id expect a young up and coming LB and Davies used more in CD as you say.
Llorente will likely go once his contract expires. Janssen will likely be finally offloaded. We all know we need more CF options to rotate/play with Kane anyway AND also give Son a rest. So that's another signing. Some would say we'd need another to replace Janssen as well, but i'm not going to be greedy, so i'll stick with just one. Number 5.
We need another AM, not striker. Son has proven beyond all doubt he is the best deputy to Kane. Llorente and Jansen can leave without being directly replaced, providing we have cover in the AM areas to allow Son to move forward.
The wide-pacy forward/winger who we all hoped GKN to be; has he been replaced by Moura? Perhaps. So maybe not needing replacing, if so, then number 6. I'll be conservative for now and say no so stick with 5 at this point.
GKN can leave and we wouldnt even notice. Non issue.
Right-back position: a day of reckoning has to come now as neither Trippier or Aurier have hit the great heights as a package that Walker at his very best hit - and which prompted Pep to go for him (we've seen how important he is to Pep's juggernaut now..). I think we can't keep both AND KWP. KWP might be sold but wont probably generate much money compared to the other two plus it could be said he has more space to grow anyway. Trippier being english and the oldest still has the world cup kudos that might make someone bite, plus his lack of pace went get any better. So likely he's the one that gets sold imo. Or perhaps BOTH get sold. If so, imagine if we could get someone like Wan Bissaka in?? That's put the wow factor back in the position Poch is mst famous for developing. Number 6.
I actually dont think Walker is/was all that. And that of Peps team he is the easiest to upgrade for them.
That said, you are right, neither Trippier or Aurier are really doing the business for us. We could well stick with what we have and hope they step up. We could well let both go and replace with one while having KWP contest the position. Id absolutely love Wan-Bissaka in! He and KWP fighting for the spot would suit me fine.
I think that is a fair big set of changes and some of which SHOULD have been done last summer. That way it would have been more gradual. This way (6 out, 6 in) has the risk of:
a) being more expensive (e.g. the CM position will be known by the sellers who will likely build it into their selling prices, assuming we will go for the best available player and NOT the cheap and cheerful options that we've done in the past)
b) having a big effect on us negatively as we take time to integrate the new players; will they have the time/patience needed seeing where we are as a club now? It was even difficult for the 'fab 7' in AVB's time let alone now.
A big summer ahead either way. Fingers crossed we navigate it well and grab the bull by the horns (and not put it off again).
- Eriksen
- Alderwiereld
- Llorente
- Janssen
- GKN
- Onomah
- Trippier/Aurier (one of?)
- Wanyama
Lets say ALL of them leave. Eriksen and Alderweireld are the genuine losses. Llorente, Janssen, GKN, Onomah... would the squad even notice? Arguably Wanyama too as he has been out so long.
Trippier and Aurier would be a significant change, but IMO its a position thats one of the easiest to make changes in.
Ill add Vorm as well, out of contract if memory serves and another we wouldnt notice missing.
We bring in a CM, AM, RB and LB, I think we are ok. With plenty of room left to speculate on a couple of prospects, or promote from the academy. I think it would be really refreshing to the squad.
You are right, I guess it comes down to how you define over haul, but to my mind this seems much less severe than that word indicates. The core of the team is as it was, its the surrounding squad thats getting tweaked.