Tiago

[The only place to be 11,313]

Might as well just keep Mikel then.

He's shit though. Offers absolutely nothing in a team that isn't looking to defend a lead or (urgh...) park the bus.

Tiago is better defensively but also better going forward.

Chabolah being promoted is something we definitely won't see Mourinho doing. I'm not sure I'd like Tiago (although for free, I wouldn't mind), but I feel like having only Matic and Marco as good players (the latter even has to prove himself yet, but has potential, but it's unproved nonetheless) seems thin. Ofc Mou loves Ramires and he's not even staying, but he's a starting xi player, but I live in denial when it comes to Ramires and Mourinho

Ramires can do a job in certain games although I wouldn't be too sad to see him leave.

I disagree on the Chalobah thing though. If he impresses in the chances he gets then I think he's very much a Jose-type player. Physically strong, technically sound and Karanka has spoken highly of him. He just needs to apply himself over this summer.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Tiago would almost certainly be a squad player right? So he will be blocking the path of the younger guys.

TOPTB - i have talked about a world class partner for Matic. Not a squad player who wil block the path of the younger players. You talk of a ' safety net' if they struggle, Rami, Lamps and Matic... there is a safety net. We don't need another surely?

There has to be a time when the younger players actually get their chance. We put it off every year and it never happens. Tiago would be a step backwards in their developmennt imo.

Tiago may well start a few games. He started a lot for Atletico and did pretty well in a system that is similar to our's so why not? Lamps started more than half our PL games last season so he could take those if Lamps left, whilst the younger guys could get the minutes that Mikel, Luiz and Ramires got.

Buying a player under the age of 25 for £30 million+ to play alongside Matic is a great way to stop any young players coming though. Getting a 33 year old on a free is probably less so.

[petre.ispirescu 4,928]

I'm sure youngsters will get their chances at some point, but you can't say "no" to a free transfer that involves a guy who was a regular for a team that won the title in Spain and was two minutes away from lifting the Champions League trophy. Even if he is 33.

[Special Juan 28,100]

I'm sure youngsters will get their chances at some point, but you can't say "no" to a free transfer that involves a guy who was a regular for a team that won the title in Spain and was two minutes away from lifting the Champions League trophy. Even if he is 33.

That's the thing you can say 'No' then following that you say to Nathaniel….."Jump on board son"

[boshman 1,073]

Buying a player under the age of 25 for £30 million+ to play alongside Matic is a great way to stop any young players coming though. Getting a 33 year old on a free is probably less so.

That does make sense i have to admit lol.

I don't know then, for some reason it just doesn't make sense to me.

Matic and new player starting. Lamps, Rami and MVG as back up with Ake and Chalobah being given their fair share of games is how i would like to see it. But i hear what you're saying. Probably contradicting myself here lol.

[BleedsBlue 1,549]

I don't understand this deal because we already have a Thiago of our own and that is Frank Lampard but I guess Jose knows what he is doing. He's worked with him before and must have some reasons behind the move.

[nyikolajevics 2,690]

I don't understand this deal because we already have a Thiago of our own and that is Frank Lampard but I guess Jose knows what he is doing. He's worked with him before and must have some reasons behind the move.

I think Tiago would come to replace Mikel. If Obi leaves we need an experienced player on the bench,

[petre.ispirescu 4,928]

That's the thing you can say 'No' then following that you say to Nathaniel….."Jump on board son"

Yes, but at the same time you know things don't work this way. I mean, you can't have Matic - Vidal/Modric/Pogba as your regulars and Nate, Baker and van Ginkel on the bench. What if something happens to Matic and Vidal/Modric/Pogba before a title decider or a Champions League Final? Will those youngsters cope with the pressure? That's why you need some experienced guys on your bench.

Look at Barcelona - Cesc and Song on the bench. Real Madrid - Illara and Khedira. Bayern - great midfielders on the bench every game.

But I got your point, you know. I'm all for giving youngsters a chance, too and I dream at the day when Nate, Baker, Loftus-Cheek, Swift, Boga, Solanke will all be on the pitch at the same time playing for Chelsea.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

I don't understand this deal because we already have a Thiago of our own and that is Frank Lampard but I guess Jose knows what he is doing. He's worked with him before and must have some reasons behind the move.

Unlike Frank, Tiago can play in a pivot. Plus, he's still performing at a higher level and more importantly doing so consistently, the think that Frank has struggled with most.

As for Chalobah, let's not kid ourselves, he won't be a part of the squad next season regardless of whether or not Tiago or anyone else joins.

[Special Juan 28,100]

Unlike Frank, Tiago can play in a pivot. Plus, he's still performing at a higher level and more importantly doing so consistently, the think that Frank has struggled with most.

As for Chalobah, let's not kid ourselves, he won't be a part of the squad next season regardless of whether or not Tiago or anyone else joins.

It's more of what people would like to see rather than what will happen mate.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

It's more of what people would like to see rather than what will happen mate.

I know, but since having Nathanial is a hypothetical situation, it really should influence the stance on signing Tiago.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Unlike Frank, Tiago can play in a pivot. Plus, he's still performing at a higher level and more importantly doing so consistently, the think that Frank has struggled with most.

As for Chalobah, let's not kid ourselves, he won't be a part of the squad next season regardless of whether or not Tiago or anyone else joins.

Jose has already said this would be his last season on loan and I've seen nothing to suggest that won't be the case. There is no reason to further loan him.

[Term-X 7,891]

Not Chelsea quality, wasn't the first time around either. The fact people are now bringing up youths says it all really, nobody would be bringing 'youths' into the equation if the name above the thread was Modric. MVG, Ramires & Mikel will be adequate cover for 'Matic+New Signing'.

[HD3D 1,038]

http://www.marca.com/2014/05/27/en/football/spanish_football/1401192876.html

How reliable is Marca? Either way, I'd like him here.

Not very reliable when it comes to Real Madrid's transfers at least. I would say semi-reliable. This deal though, I think it's very much possible. Tiago's out of contract, he's been a Chelsea player, he knows the manager... I can see Mourinho asking for him.

Whether we need him or not, he is a great player indeed and I have to say, selling David Luis for $50m and getting Tiago for free, businesswise this is magnificent work from our administration so far.

[The only place to be 11,313]

Not Chelsea quality, wasn't the first time around either. The fact people are now bringing up youths says it all really, nobody would be bringing 'youths' into the equation if the name above the thread was Modric. MVG, Ramires & Mikel will be adequate cover for 'Matic+New Signing'.

What's Chelsea quality nowadays? Who is this 'new signing'?

Mikel is looking like he's gone and he adds fuck all to our team so why wouldn't Tiago be better next season?