The mancityfans.net football forum

Guardian saying Alves is set to join us for £5m as we've agreed in principal with him for a 2 year contract.

I'm not so into this as others have stated in the rumours thread as he could fall off very quickly at his age. However he does give us leadership and character some have argued we are missing other than Vinny. He may also just take on Zaba's role as our 3rd full back and will challenge whoever else we plan to sign at RB.

Apparently Spurs holding out for over £40m for Walker. With Alves we will feel we could walk away from this as we are less desperate as we have zero players at the moment who can really get into the first team at that position.

Iv got similar concerns. The positivethough would be that he knows Pep's system so could help others pick it up?

The spafia must be absolute plonkers to even consider this guy. He would quickly get found out in the PL. Definite no from me.

This does have a Maicon feel to it.

Good value signing. Also, as Prezlke mentions in the OP, it would have an added bonus of not being held over a barrel with the negotiations over Walker, or another fullback for that matter. We could walk away if the price got exorbitant.

As seen in the CL semis and his performances in Serie A this year, he still is marauding up and down the right flank like he was a decade ago. Age is a relevant perspective to an individual and maybe his 34 is another mans 30. Certainly, he'd be good for the upcoming season at least, if not the subsequent season. Buys us time. The chances of getting three or four young full backs who could potentially with us for the next 5/6/7 years this window are slim. He had experience in abundance and I dare say could slot into the inverted fill back role Pep prefers. We know he won't be here for a long time but at the price quoted, it's good value.

Also, as with Vieira, you can't have too many guys like him, in and around the club, the dressing room and the training pitch. The experience and inspiration he could pass onto the young lads in the Academy, regardless of their position, would be invaluable

I would not be disappointed to sign him

Like MC said, if this means we don't squander half a Pogba on Walker then I'm all for it - it would actually be money saved.

always a proper cunt when he's played against us.
now he'll be our cunt.

Dameerto wrote:Like MC said, if this means we don't squander half a Pogba on Walker then I'm all for it - it would actually be money saved.

At first I was disappointed but I've now warmed to the idea and, in an analogous situation, for a season or so, DeMichelis didn't do too badly for us.

As NB alluded to, he doesn't play like a 34 year old and, in an earlier, albeit different, era Tony Book played until he was 37 or so.

I can't see how this would take us forward and I can't really see this happening. It's exactly the sort of signing we don't want.....age, wages until he is 36, based on a good season in a pedestrian Italian league and he can be a bit of a shit.

Thumbs up from me. Quality player who also brings other attributes like leadership.

Relax, he's only just turned 34.

My only concern would be how he can perform in the more aggressive, fast-paced PL.

I can't see him playing every game so Spurs may still have us over a barrel for Walker if we are serious about him. OTOH, £45m for two RBs isn't so bad in this day and age.

Alves will probably be the best and most esteemed right back to have ever played in the Premier League and he is signing for us !

Just take a moment to ponder that thought ........

Brilliant business ! any doubters give your head a serious wobble !

£45 million for Walker?!!! I'd rather just tell Arsenal we'll pay that for Bellerin!

He would be a good short term signing.

I'm happy with it. Hes not going to have the legs to play week in week out but the experience he will being to the team will be Vieira-esq. Knows exactly what Pep wants and will be able to lead others and is a hard fucker we need on the pitch.

I'm assuming he's the stopgap for Maffeo. 1 season of rotation with Walker or a.n.other and then 1 season as backup to Maffeo in the event he goes pear shaped.

foreverblue wrote:I'm assuming he's the stopgap for Maffeo. 1 season of rotation with Walker or a.n.other and then 1 season as backup to Maffeo in the event he goes pear shaped.

he'll be popular with the tenors in singing section I imagine

Happy with this as a signing. Gives us quality cover, experience at the highest level and doesn't block the kids long term.

If we can get Walker for the same price, I'd be happy...

Mase wrote:£45 million for Walker?!!! I'd rather just tell Arsenal we'll pay that for Bellerin!

THAT'S A SHOUT.

Hazy2 wrote:

Mase wrote:£45 million for Walker?!!! I'd rather just tell Arsenal we'll pay that for Bellerin!

THAT'S A SHOUT.

And then go back in and get Dele Alli instead.