Fabio Coentrao joins Real Madrid

[ZanSnake 1,211]

Why do people see him as a left back and not a left winger?

I say yes, all but means Zhirkov would be leaving, but it might actually give Malouda a kick up in the arse for a whole season rather then the end.

[Bir_CFC 3,455]

I don't know why you guys are mad? He is obviously coming in as a left winger, not a left back. We don't need left backs at all. He'll be a quality left winger, he was amazing in the world cup, I haven't seen much of him other than that though.

[J.F. 1,484]

Our scouts were out watching him the other day;

http://www.skysports...6903661,00.html

him or Bertrand to replace Cole in the future..

[calculatingInfinity 1,443]

^ He is a left back, he has nothing to do with the right wing.

Yeah he is left sided no doubt but I would say he is much more of a left winger more than he is a left back and signing him would no doubt be for the wing.

[Peace. 4,352]

Yeah he is left sided no doubt but I would say he is much more of a left winger more than he is a left back and signing him would no doubt be for the wing.

Yeah yeah I know, he is a left winger by formation although he is played as a left back. I just wanted to point out to St Abramovich that he doesn't play on the right wing.

[magic weeds 446]

In as much as I would love to see him here, I think the club should start looking for a right winger too. We don't have much depth on the right compared to the left side.

Left>>>>>>>COLE, MALOUDA, ZHIRKOV, PvA, RYAN ........Coentrao

Right>>>>>>BOSINGWA, FERREIRA. (Ivan is not a RB, Kalou is not a winger)

[termninja 5,290]

^ agree with the post above. Our right side is weaker a lot.

Coentrao is a pure quality and one of the best left backs in the future, but we've got the best left back in the world and besides that, 2 young players ready to replace him.

[termninja 5,290]

Benfica set Coentrao price.

Portugaese club demand £26m for star left-back.

Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira insists Fabio Coentrao would only be allowed to leave for €30million (£26m). The attack-minded Portugal left-back has been linked with a summer move to Real Madrid, Manchester City, AC Milan, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.

But Benfica are unwilling to allow Coentrao to leave for anything less than £26million.

The club's president, Luis Filipe Vieira, told Portuguese media: "Coentrao can only leave if a club pays €30m, which is his value in the market."

Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha has reported that Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has already agreed a deal for Coentrao.

But Real and Manchester City would have the financial clout to outbid the Anfield outfit if it becomes clear that the 23-year-old is available.

from skysports

[LDN Blue 7,903]

No. Thank. You

Bertrand and/or Van Aanholt are good enough. Let's save that money please.

[termninja 5,290]

No. Thank. You

Bertrand and/or Van Aanholt are good enough. Let's save that money please.

I can already see him in Madrid...

[LDN Blue 7,903]

I can already see him in Madrid...

Doubt it. Marcelo's been fantastic this season. Maybe United or Liverpool. Either way.. Not worth £26million, we don't need him.

[Madmax 9,219]

Benfica seem to think everyone will overpay for their players the way we did

[termninja 5,290]

Benfica seem to think everyone will overpay for their players the way we did

Not many great left backs around though...

[LDN Blue 7,903]

Not many great left backs around though...

We'll manufacture one out of Bertrand or Van Aanholt. With Cole's help.

[termninja 5,290]

We'll manufacture one out of Bertrand or Van Aanholt. With Cole's help.

Agreed. I hope they get more chances next season.

[eldo 868]

Needs to learn how to behave on the pitch.

[pachman40 357]

Benfica seem to think everyone will overpay for their players the way we did

HA! Overpay eh? Ramires, not overpriced, Luiz not overpriced, DiMaria, not overpriced, and if anything Coentrao is undervalued. He's currently top 3 LB in the world. You don't find world class players for less than that. And for everybody saying we'd buy him as a left wing, that's hilarious. He's been changed to a wingback and will not return to his former position when everyone knows that while he was very good as a winger, he's out of this world in his current position.

All that being said, I agree with other posts that we have more glaring needs right now and while Coentrao is a fantastic player and would be a great signing, I personally think we need to spend that money elsewhere.

[Guest justin_3d]

Don't need him.

He can go to Madrid. He will be good, but i rather give more time to our youth then spend on him.