Jase

Would be nice to add in an experienced coach to a coaching team that isn't experienced at the highest level...

Would be a big u turn for the clubs current model They did offer 2 years to Luiz and Willian but at least they are in their early 30s. The club might view it differently for someone in their late 30s.

Seems like it could come down to the contract length. Fiorentina are apparently offering him a 2-year deal. Will we offer 2 years to a 36-year-old...?

Bring on Mourinho's inevitable moaning...

Of course as with most things. But our current defence and keeper situation is shocking. So taking a punt on an experienced veteran for relatively cheap doesn't seem too risky and is a positive that we are starting to address our problems. On paper, Thiago Silva seems like a decent signing and we won't lose much either if it doesn't work. But I'll reserve my judgment till I see him play for us, if he joins us.

Oh, the lack of pace will be an issue if we aren't careful with the pressing and defensive line. If we get it right, then good. If not, we risk another AVB situation.

Maybe but doesn't matter in the bigger picture. If we're trying to play the high line with those 2, then we better make sure our pressing game is spot on. Otherwise, we better drop back or risk getting picked apart by simple long balls over the top, similar to what we saw in the FA Cup final.

In terms of pace, imagine having Silva and Alonso in the back 4 while trying to play a high defensive line...

There is a thread for such story you know...

If Messi wants to leave - or even stay - he should just come out and say it, instead of having these rumors flying around. And even if he does leave, who can really afford him with his astronomical wages? PSG are committed to Neymar and Mbappe and are they consistent Champions League challengers? Man City and Man United are nowhere close to winning the Champions League and doubt they would want to blow their budget and bank for a 33-year-old, even if that 33-year-old is Messi.

Messi is such a drama queen...

Some have suggested part of it could be the signing-on fee and even though it is quite high IMO, paying Havertz around 200k per week makes a lot more sense than 300k+. Marina isn't crazy enough to pay him over 300k and someone who is not an established world class player (yet) despite the talent. IF she does that, she's essentially gonna create a problem with the other players' contract and wages.

I really don't believe we will blow our wage structure up and pay Havertz over 300k per week.

Then why all the worry about the pressure from the transfer fee?

Came across this Scolari bit on The Athletic... https://theathletic.co.uk/1980955/2020/08/20/premier-league-60-no-27-didier-drogba-chelsea/

Obviously but every player has weaknesses - and strengths - and am sure Lampard sees somethings in Chilwell that he likes and can improve on. Do think Lampard already has his eyes set on Chilwell early on, any scouting stuff would likely just be used to back him up. He did but so? He's still not the one making the final decision. That is what you want to hear and not what should be said in the public, is it? No manager is crazy enough to criticize a player in the public - fair or not - that he wants to buy. Cole is obviously not the manager but he is part of the club's coaching staff and needs to be careful with what he says. Different case if he's just working as a media pundit.

We don't know that, do we? Wasn't Cole asked about Chilwell in a media interview or something? If so, he wasn't going to say he's shit or things like that in the public, is he? Moreover, Cole can give his opinion but he's not the one making the final decision to go sign him. So any potential anger directed at Cole here is kinda silly.

Cole is working as the academy coach.

The point is Hazard was our star player, just like Havertz is for Leverkusen. Hazard was bought as a finished article while Havertz is being bought for his talent and potential. Different point of their career but it's similar in some sense. And again, it doesn't matter if it is a big club or a lesser club, you can't expect the selling club not to maximize the deal and get as much money as possible for themselves. It's arrogant to think that just because Leverkusen aren't a big club, they should sell their best player only for XX amount. Also while Leverkusen won't be getting the Champions League money, I don't think their financial situation is terrible enough that they desperately need money and will sell players on the cheap. If they had it their way, they would have preferred to keep Havertz for another season. He could lead them back to the Champions League next season, Leverkusen get the money as well as a big fee for Havertz. This could be offset by selling some of the other deadwoods. Plus, we still need to get rid of Kepa first. There seems to be no takers at the moment.