Assuming Chuba leaves and Jones, Crooks, Dijksteel and Fry - Bringing in around £25m
Ramsey
Giles - Buy
Diallo
Pellistri
Hoever - Buy
Then:
Archer
Van Hecke - Free
Steffen
Piroe - Buy
Experienced Heads:
James Tomkins - Free (Gnarled experienced Centre Half to do the dirty work away from home)
Adam Forshaw - Free (rotate with Howson)
Without Chuba, our supporting 3 needs some big changes. Each of the 3 behind Archer (hopefully) will need to contribute 10-15 goals and more direct threats. As such, McGree might find himself battling for a place in central midfield rather than the more attacking roles. I don't think Forss (who is really a centre forward) will spend much time on the right.
Pellistri will be a real threat as a natural right winger. Diallo and Ramsey can operate centrally or from the left. All 3 are fabulous technicians with pace and end product. Then for times when we want a more Chuba alternative, Piroe can play as '10' or as a striker when we need physical presence up front instead of Archer.
Van Hecke to play alongside Lenihan with Hoever and Giles as full backs. 2 central midfielders will be selected from Hackney, Howson, Barlaser, Forshaw and McGree - all Carrick style players.
Team:
Steffen
Hoever
Giles
Lenihan
Van Hecke
Hackney
Forshaw
Pellistri
Diallo
Ramsey
Archer
Subs: Brynn, McNair, Smith, Howson, McGree, Piroe, Forss
Other: Bola, Coburn, Tomkins, Barlaser