Paulinho

[DonAndres]

Haha. Ok.

Has this board done a good job? Simple yes or no answer.

 

[JamDav1982]

The question is how does Paulinho turn out to be an alternative for Verratti when they're nothing alike in style of play or quality. Not even close.

At least someone like Coutinho or Bernardo Silva would be quality even if they are completely different players.

Paulinho is a different player and an average one at that who's only performed well for Brazil against okay opposition and a Brazilian team in their league, under the same manager.

Dont think he is being signed as an alternative though.

 

[DonAK]

Dont think he is being signed as an alternative though.

That's what everyone are saying. Alternative to Verratti.

 

[God Serena]

The question is how does Paulinho turn out to be an alternative for Verratti when they're nothing alike in style of play or quality. Not even close.

At least someone like Coutinho or Bernardo Silva would be quality even if they are completely different players.

Paulinho is a different player and an average one at that who's only performed well for Brazil against okay opposition and a Brazilian team in their league, under the same manager.

How does Paulinho turn out to be an alternative for Verratti when they're openly admitting he's supposed to be a backup for Busquets? There's no way in hell Verratti was going to be a backup here, especially at DM. This is like trying to sign Dembele, only to realize he's not coming and deciding to try and convince Xavi to come back.

 

[DonAK]

How does Paulinho turn out to be an alternative for Verratti when they're openly admitting he's supposed to be a backup for Busquets? There's no way in hell Verratti was going to be a backup here, especially at DM. This is like trying to sign Dembele, only to realize he's not coming and deciding to try and convince Xavi to come back.

No one is saying he'll be a backup to Busquets. That one Sport journalist said it was his personal opinion and that the only way this transfer made any sense for HIM was if he was Busi's backup, which he obviously won't be for 30-40m.

 

[Ritchie]

Maybe get our money back selling him to China in a year or two but it's a waste of time and time is money too. We should be grooming a younger player over that time who can grow and improve. Why are we always missing out on the Bernardo Silva's and Renato's? If we're signing a player in his late 20s then he should be world class like Suarez was. Not more Arda Turans and Vermalens.

We need a player like Kante or Keita more than Paulinho. Paulinho's just another luxury player who won't fit into a slow, turgid team that need Messi to bail them out every week. He'll be the same flop he was at Spurs.

 

[Jombi]

oh I totally agree, i wasn't defending this transfer its hideous. i was just saying imo our targets show we can't compete for the likes of Verratti etc so were left with Seri (who isn't moving anyway) and Paulinho and some guy from the brazilian league. Paulinho is a 'luxury' signing for his age ofcourse its ridiculous but 40mil is nothing in todays market. United could pay £50mil for Perisic etc. why we don't have a bigger budget for the size of club we are is down to alot of factors.

40m is nothing? City paid 50m for Bernardo Silva. Bayern bought Tolisso for 40m. Calhanoglu went for 22m, Tielemans for 25m and Dahoud for 12m euros. These are all YOUNG players with their best years ahead of them.

There are lots of options still available we can pursue. Ceballos has a 15m buy out. Why are we not after Fabinho? Thomas Lemar is chased by Arsenal, they offered 40m euros and are said to have upped it to 45m euros, German international, 22 year old Leon Goretzka has 12 months remaining on his contract so his price is halved, there are some very talented young CMs in Brazil we could move for as well.

What we are doing is just horrible.

 

[JamDav1982]

That's what everyone are saying. Alternative to Verratti.

Not everyone. Was reported today or yesterday that he isnt and seen as back up to Busi and also reported that they still believe Verratti to have a slight chance of happening.

 

[Icarium]

Why is he a backup to Busi. He is a B2B midfielder not a DM. Can't even string a couple of passes together. Roberto would be much better option. He is definitely not a backup to Busi. Probably bullshit.

 

[Jombi]

No one is saying he'll be a backup to Busquets. That one Sport journalist said it was his personal opinion and that the only way this transfer made any sense for HIM was if he was Busi's backup, which he obviously won't be for 30-40m.

Signing a box to box midfielder for a lot of money from China on a fat contract to play 5 games when Busi is out. Makes sense. And we have Roberto which is far more adept to playing as a DM backup in the few games needed.

 

[BarçaBarça]

Don't worry guys - the chinese won't sell.

But a 80M bid on Fellaini can't be rejected

 

[JamDav1982]

Why is he a backup to Busi. He is a B2B midfielder not a DM. Can't even string a couple of passes together. Roberto would be much better option. He is definitely not a backup to Busi. Probably bullshit.

I am sure he complained that he was being played out of position at Spurs when asked to play deeper and dont think it is where he plays for Brazil or in China either.

Would guess the real alternative to Verratti will be Messi at AM.

 

[DonAK]

Not everyone. Was reported today or yesterday that he isnt and seen as back up to Busi and also reported that they still believe Verratti to have a slight chance of happening.

Albert Roge(sport journalist) said it was his personal opinion that the only way this transfer would make any sense for him was if they signed him as Busi's backup.

I see now that he's deleted that tweet of his.

Somehow entire twitter jumped on the backup thing as something either MD, Sport or another outlet claimed, but neither MD or Sport have done so.

http://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/paulinho-da-el-si-al-barcelona-6156650

In fact it's been claimed he's an option if Verratti is not available although he's the priority

http://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20170625/423670613294/barca-paulinho-verratti.html

Bartomeu himself said that PSG are not open to negotiating for Verratti so Robert is looking for alternatives.

 

[JamDav1982]

Another option in midfield is not really the same as thinking he is the alternative to Verratti in terms of role in team which seems to be what is being said.

Also reports say not given up on Verratti.

 

[DonAK]

Another option in midfield is not really the same as thinking he is the alternative to Verratti in terms of role in team which seems to be what is being said.

He's the alternative to signing Verratti.

That's what counts. We don't sign another midfielder if he comes.

Adding mediocrity depth to a midfield that need quality.

If the plan is Messi as AM then go with Busquets-Roberto or Busquets-Rakitic as the midfield.

You still have Gomes and Samper possibly as other options.