Summer Transfer Window 2011, We've got arab money! Options

[Orange_Hitman]

This thread is to discuss PSG's activity in this summer transfer window.

A brief summary :

Players Sold : Edel (GK, Maccabi), Coupet (GK, Retired), Traore (DC, Free Agent), Makonda (DL/ML, Brest), Makelele (DMC, Retired), Clement (DMC, Saint-Etienne), Sankharé (MC, Dijon), Giuly (MR/FC, Free Agent).

Players Bought : Douchez (GK, Rennes), Sirigu (GK, Palermo), Bisevac (DC, Valenciennes), Matuidi (DMC, Saint-Etienne), Sissokho (DMC/MC, Juventus), Menez (AMR, AS Roma), Pastore (AMC, Palermo), Gameiro (ST, Lorient).

As you can see the focus on this year's transfer window was to fill the gap in the squad caused by a lot of players reaching the end of their contracts or going in to retirement. However, we also managed to grab the signings of none other than the great Argentinian hot prospect Javier Pastore from Palermo, and the ever so lethal up and coming striker Gameiro from Lorient. ()

Most French fans believe that we still need one Left back since Siaka Tiene, most probably the weakest link in the starting 11, will be called up to the African Nations Cup in January without any suitable replacement.

A good all-around midfielder is also welcome to add some depth to the squad, in case some serious injuries occur to Nene or Menez. However JC Bahebeck and Kebano have shown some promise in last year's season and in this summer's test matches and may be up to the task if need be.

In what area do you think we still need to reinforce our squad or do you believe that with the signing of Pastore we would have what it takes, in both depth and quality, to be successful in capturing the Ligue 1 title and compete in both domestic and international cups ?

[Bob]

I hope to see at least 2 more players : one full-back (LB) and an attacking midfielder like Zarate who can play in several positions.

With these two players up in our squad, I think it will be enough to launch our season and fight in every competition (cups and league 1). QSI won’t appreciate if we ditch one of theses cups ..

I’d like to see guys like Hoarau or Bodmer try to win their place in the XI and put the pressure one their team-mates. With a good team spirit, we may dream to realize a great season.

[laleto]

So far so good.
We haven't been ripped off (Pastore aside, but then again you gotta pay up if you want a star), and the signings have been of quality, or more or less fit our needs.

In case of an absence of either of our two main strikers, Gameiro and Hoarau, I can see AK changing tactics, playing with just one forward, and beefing up the midfield, or pushing Menez up front.
If both Kevin and Guillaume are out, that poses a problem for we would be left with Luyindula and Erding, both hopeless cases.

Really, we need a more polyvalent attack-minded player, either for the left or right flank, that can score if required.

[Varino]

I am fine with the group assembled so far. I would have no problem if the mercato stopped today (well... after Pastore signs of course).

We might lack a few veteran players to really compete in all 4 competitions this year, but I think it's delicate to bring in more recruits when don't have the C1 to offer them. We don't need to have two excellent teams yet. Players like Jallet, Bodmer, Chantome, Menez, Armand can play multiple positions at a decent level, and for this year it should be enough.
A lot depends on how the coach, Antoine Kombouaré, is gonna handle a group with international players sitting on the bench and most of them ambitious. If we are a bit weak in European games, there is always the winter market to make adjustements.

So unless a Camara or Erding was to leave, keep it like this. By the way this is for people who are so eager to see these 2 find another club: good luck finding 3rd and 4th string players of this level.

[Varino]

Sounds like the Berbatov rumor is picking up again
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/au...nchester-united

What do you guys think? This would pretty much ruin Hoarau's future here, as I see him as a poor man's Berbatov. I am not a Guillaume fan so I don't mind that.
What bothers me more is I don't see how you play Gameiro-Pastore-Nene- and Berbatov together. Gameiro Berbatov and Pastore would naturally fit in a 4-4-2 diamond (which is probably Leonardo's favorite formation given he was in Milan all these years when they played like this for Kaka), but then where does Nene go? As far as I know he is still our best player so there is no way he goes to the bench.
A 4-4-2 with Pastore opposite Nene on the right side? maybe... I don't know the Argentinian well enough

[Bob]

Don't forget we already have Gameiro, Hoarau and Erding (even Bahebeck and Menez may play sometimes in forward postition).

Moreover, i'm not sure about his mentality. He's a selfish player and if he comes to Paris, he'd ruined the good atmosphere in the cloakroom.

I'd rather have a player like Nolan Roux (young and very good tricky player) who may accept to be on the dug-out ..

[Orange_Hitman]

While it is true Berba is somewhat of a diva, but i'd pick him over Hoarau or Erding in a heartbeat.

I have been one of the fiercest defenders of Erding last season but he just doesn't have the skills to help this team achieve its new and improved objectives. And as far as Hoarau goes, same lackluster enthusiasm as Berba on the field, but miles behind talent wise.

This year we will most likely dominate all but 3 games pretty much (Lille, Lyon, Marseille away) and have plenty of ball possession, which is where Berbatov shines best. He won't have to run around chasing the ball, which is something he pretty much hates , but i have no doubt he will be lethal in front of the goal whether it's in creating chances for Gameiro or scoring himself.

One thing that worries me though is that he'd be the first player we've signed this summer that has shown very little enthusiasm in joining us when all others were pretty excited and ready to prove themselves.

Finally if he signs, it would be somewhat of a headache for Kombouare to play Nene-Menez-Pastore-Berba-Gameiro but i think that's a problem he'd rather have than be forced to play with Luyindula, Erding and to a much lesser degree Hoarau which i think can still make a pretty decent season.

[Nova]

While it is true Berba is somewhat of a diva, but i'd pick him over Hoarau or Erding in a heartbeat.

I have been one of the fiercest defenders of Erding last season but he just doesn't have the skills to help this team achieve its new and improved objectives. And as far as Hoarau goes, same lackluster enthusiasm as Berba on the field, but miles behind talent wise.

This year we will most likely dominate all but 3 games pretty much (Lille, Lyon, Marseille away) and have plenty of ball possession, which is where Berbatov shines best. He won't have to run around chasing the ball, which is something he pretty much hates , but i have no doubt he will be lethal in front of the goal whether it's in creating chances for Gameiro or scoring himself.

One thing that worries me though is that he'd be the first player we've signed this summer that has shown very little enthusiasm in joining us when all others were pretty excited and ready to prove themselves.

Finally if he signs, it would be somewhat of a headache for Kombouare to play Nene-Menez-Pastore-Berba-Gameiro but i think that's a problem he'd rather have than be forced to play with Luyindula, Erding and to a much lesser degree Hoarau which i think can still make a pretty decent season.

Same, I'd have no problems playing the games at home in a diamond type 442 formation, with Pastore behind Gameiro and Berba. We know we'll see a lot of the ball in those games so we might as well just go for it and play all for attack.