£2m bid for Distin?

[VeggardSub]

Re: £2m bid for Distin?

what about Carvalho as our CB cover..... (see below bbc Sport report)
really rate him (definitely over Distin)- what do you guys reckon???

Carvalho ready to leave Chelsea
BBC SPORT
Chelsea centre-back Ricardo Carvalho has made it clear he is ready to leave Stamford Bridge this summer in search of first-team football. The Portugal international, 31, is unhappy that he made only 18 appearances for the Blues last season. "I have had four extraordinary years at Chelsea until this year, which has not been very good - indeed it was the worst of my career," he said."I am available for a club who wishes to have me."

Carvalho joined Chelsea from Porto in July 2004 for a fee of about £20m and has played 174 times for the club, helping them to win two Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup. But he was hampered by injuries last season, suffering knee ligament damage and a thigh problem that kept him out for almost two months. Carvalho admitted "I wasn't in great shape" but insisted it was because he had not played many matches. Looking to the future, he added: "I am delighted that several clubs are interested in me. But before being approached, an agreement must be found with Chelsea."

Carvalho last played for Chelsea in the 4-4 draw with Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final second leg on 14 April. And he appeared to be out of favour under interim Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, prompting his declaration of intent to move on. However, Carvalho appeared to leave the door open for reassessment under incoming manger Carlo Ancelotti, who officially takes over on 1 July. "If there is no transfer, I will be fine at Chelsea," he said.

 

[jan]

[quote author=VeggardSub link=topic=33972.msg881933#msg881933 date=1244104541]
what about Carvalho as our CB cover..... (see below bbc Sport report)
really rate him (definitely over Distin)- what do you guys reckon???

Carvalho ready to leave Chelsea
BBC SPORT
Chelsea centre-back Ricardo Carvalho has made it clear he is ready to leave Stamford Bridge this summer in search of first-team football. The Portugal international, 31, is unhappy that he made only 18 appearances for the Blues last season. "I have had four extraordinary years at Chelsea until this year, which has not been very good - indeed it was the worst of my career," he said."I am available for a club who wishes to have me."

Carvalho joined Chelsea from Porto in July 2004 for a fee of about £20m and has played 174 times for the club, helping them to win two Premier League titles, two League Cups and an FA Cup. But he was hampered by injuries last season, suffering knee ligament damage and a thigh problem that kept him out for almost two months. Carvalho admitted "I wasn't in great shape" but insisted it was because he had not played many matches. Looking to the future, he added: "I am delighted that several clubs are interested in me. But before being approached, an agreement must be found with Chelsea."

Carvalho last played for Chelsea in the 4-4 draw with Liverpool in the Champions League quarter-final second leg on 14 April. And he appeared to be out of favour under interim Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink, prompting his declaration of intent to move on. However, Carvalho appeared to leave the door open for reassessment under incoming manger Carlo Ancelotti, who officially takes over on 1 July. "If there is no transfer, I will be fine at Chelsea," he said.
[/quote]

The chances of him coming here to warm our bench with lower wages equal zero.

 

[Judge Jules]

Don't think that would apply if we did go in for him. Rafa rotates the CBs quite a bit and Carvalho would have an equal chance with the others. That said, he'd be very expensive and the money's needed elsewhere.

 

[TheBunnyman]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=33972.msg881901#msg881901 date=1244101422]
My main concern with these type of signings is that benitez invariably ends up playing them, and fuckin regularly at that. Zenden springs to mind. Make no mistake, if he comes - he'll play often.

[/quote]

I doubt it. Sami only played about a dozen times last season, and he's brilliant. Why would Distin get more games?

Distin's always looked decent to me when I've seen him play. What's his aerial ability like? No one can really replace Sami, but this seems quite a sensible and cheapish solution to the problem if he's willing to spend a lot of time not playing football.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

I think this would be a terrible signing, Distin has huge lapses in concentration and looked like a zombie he was so slow to make decisions at times in the last couple of years. When he's switched on he's decent but I guarantee he would cost us at least one loss next season, an extra loss we cant afford. I'd rather risk it with the 3 we have and the kids as backup. If we are getting someone at least get someone on a free and save the funds for more pressing areas.

Tuncay and Distin? were not Sunderland FFS, I'd rather sign no-one than these squad fillers as Rafa will play them often in the early part of next season until they inevitably prove they are not up to the standard

 

[keniget]

[quote author=Bob Loblaw link=topic=33972.msg881951#msg881951 date=1244105832]
I think this would be a terrible signing, Distin has huge lapses in concentration and looked like a zombie he was so slow to make decisions at times in the last couple of years. When he's switched on he's decent but I guarantee he would cost us at least one loss next season, an extra loss we cant afford. I'd rather risk it with the 3 we have and the kids as backup. If we are getting someone at least get someone on a free and save the funds for more pressing areas.
[/quote]

*hi-fives Bob*

 

[grjt]

[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=33972.msg881948#msg881948 date=1244105729]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=33972.msg881901#msg881901 date=1244101422]
My main concern with these type of signings is that benitez invariably ends up playing them, and fuckin regularly at that. Zenden springs to mind. Make no mistake, if he comes - he'll play often.

[/quote]

I doubt it. Sami only played about a dozen times last season, and he's brilliant. Why would Distin get more games?

Distin's always looked decent to me when I've seen him play. What's his aerial ability like? No one can really replace Sami, but this seems quite a sensible and cheapish solution to the problem if he's willing to spend a lot of time not playing football.

[/quote]

Think I'm with Ryan on this one - if we sign Distin he'll definitely end up playing a lot of games; especially if the up and down form of Agger and Skrtel is anything to go by.

Also, given the state of Carra at the back end of the season, I dont see Rafa putting him through the same number of games again.

However, does anyone think that 'Arry wont come knocking if Distin really is available?

 

[Judge Jules]

Re: £2m bid for Distin?

[quote author=Bob Loblaw link=topic=33972.msg881951#msg881951 date=1244105832]
I think this would be a terrible signing, Distin has huge lapses in concentration and looked like a zombie he was so slow to make decisions at times in the last couple of years. When he's switched on he's decent but I guarantee he would cost us at least one loss next season, an extra loss we cant afford. I'd rather risk it with the 3 we have and the kids as backup. If we are getting someone at least get someone on a free and save the funds for more pressing areas.

Tuncay and Distin? were not Sunderland FFS, I'd rather sign no-one than these squad fillers as Rafa will play them often in the early part of next season until they inevitably prove they are not up to the standard
[/quote]

That's confused.  You complain about the idea of signing Distin but would be prepared to accept fetching a lesser player in for financial reasons alone, when Distin will only cost a couple of mill.anyway?

As for Tuncay - we need a second string for Torres, and no successful squad consists only of galacticos.  Have you got a better idea for the £8 mill.or so being discussed?

 

[Jürgen4PM]

Yes please.

Distin would be a decent signing for the amount stated.

 

[darkstarexodus]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=33972.msg881901#msg881901 date=1244101422]
My main concern with these type of signings is that benitez invariably ends up playing them, and fuckin regularly at that. Zenden springs to mind. Make no mistake, if he comes - he'll play often.

[/quote]

And therein lies the crux of the matter. He wouldn't be a bad signing, if we could bank on him only really being used when absolutely necessary or in the Cups. Past experience, however, tells us that this likely would not be the case.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=33972.msg881961#msg881961 date=1244106241]
[quote author=Bob Loblaw link=topic=33972.msg881951#msg881951 date=1244105832]
I think this would be a terrible signing, Distin has huge lapses in concentration and looked like a zombie he was so slow to make decisions at times in the last couple of years. When he's switched on he's decent but I guarantee he would cost us at least one loss next season, an extra loss we cant afford. I'd rather risk it with the 3 we have and the kids as backup. If we are getting someone at least get someone on a free and save the funds for more pressing areas.

Tuncay and Distin? were not Sunderland FFS, I'd rather sign no-one than these squad fillers as Rafa will play them often in the early part of next season until they inevitably prove they are not up to the standard
[/quote]

That's confused. You complain about the idea of signing Distin but would be prepared to accept fetching a lesser player in for financial reasons alone, when Distin will only cost a couple of mill.anyway?

As for Tuncay - we need a second string for Torres, and no successful squad consists only of galacticos. Have you got a better idea for the £8 mill.or so being discussed?
[/quote]

Not confused at all mate, I dont think we should pick someone up but if we are going to do it get someone on a free as shown by the highlighted "at least" above.

As for your other point, I never said anything about galacticos, but I do believe a squad should be built by trying to buy players who at least have a chance of being better than players in the first 11 presently, those that fall just short become squad players naturally, Benayoun and Babel are perfect examples of this. I suggest we save the 8 Million and persue players to push for positions we need.

Tuncay would be a decent backup, but no better than Dirk and possibly even Babel, so whats the point?

 

[Judge Jules]

Sorry but that stll doesn't add up in either respect. Getting another CB in might not be your first choice, but as second choice you'd take a freebie (who's likely to be a lesser player) in preference to Distin when you say even Distin isn't good enough. As for Tuncay, the point is that a decent back-up for Torres is exactly what we DO need.

 

[David Byrne]

It's all bollocks at the moment. We're getting linked to random names left right and centre, most of the time it's just agents looking for new wage deals.

I remember reading a quote from Rafa towards the end of the season, saying he thought 3 centre backs will probably be enough and he'll be looking at some of the younger lads in pre season to gage whether he'll promote them as cover.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

Re: £2m bid for Distin?

To clear things up I don't think we need to spend cash on a 4th choice centre back, don't get anyone or try get a freebie, you have made the assumption that I mean get a lesser player than Distin (Who I think is shit), thats not the case.

My point on the backup for Torres is we have a backup in Dirk Kuyt and I don't think spending 8Million on Tuncay is an improvement on this, we also have Babel at present who I think is better than Tuncay too, certainly scores more goals for minutes played. I cant see us getting a better backup for Dirk to warm the bench waiting for Torres to get injured, so why not just accept Dirk as the backup and spend all our money on Widemen?

 

[Judge Jules]

The assumption I was making, and still would make, is that a freebie almost certainly would be a lesser player than Distin (who I don't agree is "sh!t" BTW, though I dont think he's at his best any more).

I also rate Tuncay more highly than you do, but the alternative strategy you set out there makes sense in principle IF we can sign those wide players. What concerns me is that they may be a fair bit harder to find than strikers, hence the difference in cost may be hefty.

 

[Whitey85]

I wouldn't sign Distin. Hes error prone, gets caught square far to often and has had a pretty poor season.

 

[King Binny]

It'll take Pompey more than 2m to replace him. Besides, they're losing key/experienced players in defence (Campbell, Johnson? etc) so I can't see us landing him for that fee, i.e. if we're really interested.

Besides, wasn't Sammi left out of the CL squad due to the nationality quota thingy? Wouldn't that make his 'replacement' 'ineligible'/unlikely to be involved in CL football as well?

 

[Bob Loblaw]

[quote author=Judge Jules link=topic=33972.msg881999#msg881999 date=1244108608]
The assumption I was making, and still would make, is that a freebie almost certainly would be a lesser player than Distin (who I don't agree is "sh!t" BTW, though I dont think he's at his best any more).

I also rate Tuncay more highly than you do, but the alternative strategy you set out there makes sense in principle IF we can sign those wide players. What concerns me is that they may be a fair bit harder to find than strikers, hence the difference in cost may be hefty.


[/quote]

I actually dont think Tuncay is a bad player just not better than the players I've mentioned. I take on board your point that it may be easier to pickup a forward than quality widemen but surely we should exaust this avenue first. One things for sure it will be really difficult to pickup quaility widemen if we dilute our funds to the tune of £10 Million on two subs.

 

[LarryHagman]

I'm not sure if Distin is the answer but I think Hyypia should be replaced. Otherwise, we'll get bundled out of the FA or Carling Cup next year with a couple of kids playing there and then moan about our lack of squad strength.

 

[Squiggles]

Re: £2m bid for Distin?

Again it all depends on finance and how much is available, which none of us really know.

A few seasons ago I rated Distin highly but there's no denying his recent downturn in form.

Last year we had the perfect combination of experience and youth in CB positions, but we didn't share the time evenly; Agger should've started more games and so should Sami Hyypia.

Signing Johnson at RB will help ease the workload on the defence to a point as Skrtel & Carragher will never have to play RB. The fitness of Daniel Agger, providing he stays injury free, will also reduce the strain.

I think we should save our money and have faith in Carra, Agger and Skrtel to keep fresh and injury free. Not many clubs have 4 good CB's vying for first-team football - we were spoilt last season.

This summer we've got to save our money for the biggest priorities;

1) LW
2) Striker
3) RB

Pissing money up the wall on Distin and Tuncay doesn't feature.

 

[SummerOnions]

After seeing his performances against us and against Man U, i'm divided.

 

[eecheerow]

[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33972.msg881870#msg881870 date=1244098387]
[quote author=eecheerow link=topic=33972.msg881836#msg881836 date=1244082306]
I've always rated him and that fee's not bad but we don't need to add a fourth choice centre back.
[/quote]

We do.

It's naive to suggest we can rely on kids at this stage and this level, none of them have shown themselves good enough in the reserves and none of them have figured at even cup level for us.

If we get a longterm injury to any of the three, what happens then? Agger's injury record is dire, while Carra is knocking on a bit these days. I'm not a big fan of Distin, but we need someone as cover, so..
[/quote]

If we sign a right back Alvaro can stand in at centre back. I want to see us putting our transfer kitty egg in just a couple of baskets... none of this spreading it amongst five or six or seven new players.

 

[Boozer]

[quote author=eecheerow link=topic=33972.msg882199#msg882199 date=1244127062]
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33972.msg881870#msg881870 date=1244098387]
[quote author=eecheerow link=topic=33972.msg881836#msg881836 date=1244082306]
I've always rated him and that fee's not bad but we don't need to add a fourth choice centre back.
[/quote]

We do.

It's naive to suggest we can rely on kids at this stage and this level, none of them have shown themselves good enough in the reserves and none of them have figured at even cup level for us.

If we get a longterm injury to any of the three, what happens then? Agger's injury record is dire, while Carra is knocking on a bit these days. I'm not a big fan of Distin, but we need someone as cover, so..
[/quote]

If we sign a right back Alvaro can stand in at centre back. I want to see us putting our transfer kitty egg in just a couple of baskets... none of this spreading it amongst five or six or seven new players.
[/quote]

I'd rather pay the £2m myself than see Arbeloa play CB again.

 

[keniget]

[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=33972.msg881870#msg881870 date=1244098387]
We do.

It's naive to suggest we can rely on kids at this stage and this level, none of them have shown themselves good enough in the reserves and none of them have figured at even cup level for us.

If we get a longterm injury to any of the three, what happens then? Agger's injury record is dire, while Carra is knocking on a bit these days. I'm not a big fan of Distin, but we need someone as cover, so..
[/quote]

Kelly and San Jose have proven themselves in the reserves in my opinion and if we buy another CB, they'll struggle massively to prove anything beyond that at this club (unless for a change we manage to loan a youngster to a decent club in the Championship).

If we're going to buy 'cover', I'd much rather we buy a utility player like O'Shea who can do a job in a number of positions. That way we don't have to bloat the squad with specialist cover for each and every position.

 

[Buddha]

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=33972.msg882063#msg882063 date=1244115149]


This summer we've got to save our money for the biggest priorities;

1) LW
2) Striker
3) RB

Pissing money up the wall on Distin and Tuncay doesn't feature.
[/quote]

Unfortunately Tuncay might be that striker.

 

[Squiggles]

Tuncay isn't a striker.

He's only been playing there 'cos Boro have scored fuck all goals all year.

 

[rurikbird]

[quote author=darkstarexodus link=topic=33972.msg881970#msg881970 date=1244106694]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=33972.msg881901#msg881901 date=1244101422]
My main concern with these type of signings is that benitez invariably ends up playing them, and fuckin regularly at that. Zenden springs to mind. Make no mistake, if he comes - he'll play often.

[/quote]

And therein lies the crux of the matter. He wouldn't be a bad signing, if we could bank on him only really being used when absolutely necessary or in the Cups. Past experience, however, tells us that this likely would not be the case.
[/quote]

Don't know about that. First of all, Rafa doesn't rotate as much now as he used to; secondly, out of all positions on the pitch, CB is the one Rafa almost never rotates. So Zenden analogy doesn't really work for me.