What’s our priority position this summer?

It’s been a very slow start to the transfer window, which is unsurprising given the Euros and Copa America were in full swing until recently but with Slot’s recent comments that he’d be surprised if we didn’t do any business, what position do we feel is the priority?

The obvious one for me is DM. I’ve long called for a double pivot at the base of our midfield and it looks like my wish will be granted from next season, as it seems to be Slot’s preferred system. To that end, we’re a little light in the position.

As it stands, the obvious candidates are Endo and Mac Allister and I actually think those two go perfectly together. Endo is a no nonsense, keep it simple type of DM. Puts his foot in, breaks up play and then plays simple passes in to our more forward thinking players. Macca on the other hand is a much more cultured midfielder, an accomplished passer of the ball with a high footballing IQ, who can both spray the ball about from deep but would also have freedom to roam forward, without having to think about his defensive responsibilities the way he had to last season when playing the role on his own. On paper it works perfectly but Endo is getting on and was always going to be a short term fix for the position and outside of those two, we don’t have many others naturally suited to the role. Sure the likes of Jones can do a job for the 5 minutes a season he’s fit and I’m sure Gravenberch could also fill in at a push but it’s not their natural game. To that end, a long term Endo replacement is the position I personally think is the priority.

Others may disagree however. Many feel we need a new CB, preferably left footed but I’m not so sure. With the rapid rise of Quansah and a much improved Sepp returning to the team, id be happy to see how they develop over the next 12 months, bearing in mind Virgil, Konate and Gomez will be ahead of them in the pecking order. The only thing that would change that thought process for me would be if Virgil was to inform the club he wont be extending his contract and this coming season will be his last bit until such time as that happens, I think we’re fine at CB for the upcoming season.

The fullback positions I feel much the same way. I concede its starting to look like Robbo’s all action style is starting to take its toll on his body but in Tsimikas we have a capable backup option, not to mention Gomez who was excellent in that position last season, as well as a very promising youngster in Owen Beck, just back from a very successful loan spell at Dundee for the youngster.

Right back basically comes down to whether Trent stays or not. If he does then we have Bradley who’s made a good case for himself being first choice, never mind backup and another promising youngster in Calvin Ramsay who has hopefully put his injury woes behind him and will kick on this season, so again I don’t think we should be hasty and rush out and sign someone who’ll block their progression to the first team. Should Trent leave however, it changes the dynamic somewhat but again, we have the positionally flexible Gomez as cover there also.

The only position that really leaves is right wing. It looks like Salah is staying this season but I expect it to be his last and to that end, we should probably start planning for life without him. Sure we have Jota, Diaz, Gakpo and Elliot who can do a job in the role but it’s not their natural position and only Jota has played the role with any real success so for me, after DM this is the position we should be prioritising most.

Interesting times ahead then troops and I’m intrigued to hear everyone’s viewpoints on what position needs the most urgent attention. Walk on!