Tbf If we won't get an upgrade over Kounde and Balde as starters then I would prefer to look at versatile FBs that can cover both positons. Amar Dedic from Salzburg is one of them. Primarily plays RB but has played as LB too.
I know we have Fort but he needs to play regularly so should loan him to get a season of La Liga or other top division football experience if we count on him long term. Keeping him to warm the bench while likes of Martin and Big Dom gets more minutes than him makes little sense. If possible I would already look to sign a RB/LB in January and let Fort go on loan for second half of this season. Or at least let him play for BA. He's clearly above that level but he would at least keep some match rhythm if/when needed.
If we are still in the market for CDM next summer, then Dário Essugo is worth following, good talent for Las Palmas.
Dário Essugo, 19, from Portugal ➤ UD Las Palmas, since 2024 ➤ Defensive Midfield ➤ Market value: €3.50m ➤ * Mar 14, 2005 in Lisboa, Portugal
www.transfermarkt.com
Good player. According to TM his contract is up next summer. He would be a good FA signing but probably many other clubs would make more sense for him to go to if he wants clear path to first team minutes.
Although here it's mentioned he's under contract till 2027. Makes more sense to me, doubt Sporting would let him go on loan with his contract expiring.
Of course, if the Lions receive an attractive offer for the athlete, they won't put aside the possibility of accepting it. Essugo has a contract until 2027 (according to the Lions' financial report for 2022/23, the latest available) and a termination clause of 45 million euros.
Médio faz a pré-época com os verde e brancos, mas o futuro passa por mais uma cedência para ganhar músculo competitivo; jogador tem contrato até 2027
www.abola.pt
I think Essugo will be amongst the next batch of players - including likes of Quenda, Harder (who they just bought this summer) and possibly Fresneda - who will take on bigger role in the team next season after they will sell some of current stars.
Obviously Gyokeres but then also both CBs Inacio and Diomande are in high demands from PL clubs and DM Hjulmand could also be sold. Last three (amongst Quenda who is making breakthrough this season but don't think it's his time to leave yet) were all linked to City in last few days but that's probably just a lazy media talk considering current Sporting SD Hugo Viana will replace Txiki next summer. Doesn't mean one or two Sporting players won't end up at City though especially if they will also get Amorim to replace Pep if he decides to leave.
Essugo's value is far from maximized and would be really surprised if he would be sold unless they get an offer close to his reported clause. You never know with PL clubs if one of them gets "in love" with Essugo and decide to spend big money (30-40m) on him but I don't think Barca would do that.
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