Centerback Market Madness

Three high-profile centerback sagas came to a swift end today. Let’s check each of them out and what they mean ⤵️ 

Lucas Hernandez 🥐 

Lucas Hernandez has been potentially Bayern’s best defender since his €80MM move from Atletico Madrid back in 2019.

As Bayern have begun stacking up newer, younger centerbacks it made it easier to allow Hernandez to leave. They have a great young CB core in Upamecano, De Ligt, & last night’s new signing ⤵️ 

Kim Min-jae 🇰🇷 

It almost seemed a certainty back in May that Kim Min-jae would end up at Manchester United this summer. He had a release clause at Napoli, so all they needed to secure were personal terms.

Then Bayern swooped in & stole him from right under United’s nose.

Kim Min-jae is a defender who can also maraud forward with the ball to progress play. He is impeccable in the air and in duels. He’s a top signing for Bayern.

Pau Torres 🇪🇸 

Pau Torres is a left-footed Spanish centerback that has been on the radar of Europe’s elites for years. In the past two summers, he was a target for Real Madrid, Manchester United, & Barcelona. Moves never panned out as he enjoyed Villarreal & clubs were not willing to pay the >€60MM fee that Villarreal were demanding.

Fast-forward to this summer, and Bayern were hot on his trail. Losing their only natural left-sided CB in Lucas Hernandez had them on the search for a top-tier LCB. Pau Torres was that guy, but they moved to slowly.

Former manager of Villrreal Unai Emery has lured him over to Birmingham in a matter of days, to join Aston Villa.

Considering how high profile Torres has been for a number of years, this is a fantastic signing by Villa’s standards. He can take them up a level in possession from the back.

Jurrien Timber 🇳🇱 

It looks like Arsenal are closing in on the right-sided defender that they needed so desperately at the end of last season.

Timber is very versatile— he plays RCB mostly for Ajax, but has played a lot of RB & defensive midfield as well— potentially giving extra depth to Arsenal across all of those positions.

Mt. Mason Erupts in Manchester🌋 

Ten Hag has his man! Mason Mount has made the switch from London to Manchester, from Chelsea to United. This is a bridge that few cross. He’ll hope not to follow in the footsteps of Juan Mata & Nemanja Matic… 😬 

United’s POV 👹 

£60MM is a lot to pay for someone whose contract runs out next year, but he was ETH’s #1 target this summer. Had Mount still had 2-3 years on his contract, £60MM would have been fair.

Mount adds a lot more firepower & athleticism than Eriksen does in United’s midfield. Bringing in Mount makes United more direct in midfield as he’ll be paired with Bruno Fernandes to push play upfield. Casemiro will hold down the fort as their anchor.

Chelsea’s POV 🔵 

Getting £60MM for a player with one year left on his contract is unreal business.

There’s really no other way to frame it. Perfect piece of business by Boehly.