Despite the uncertainty about the coach, the Reds are already on the field to improve the squad for next season; Kokçu will take the place that Rafa leaves empty and Di María (if he leaves) already has a replacement; Andreas Schjelderup is back
Still under the uncertainty of Roger Schmidt’s continuity, although at this moment the coach is most likely to stay at Luz, the Reds’ professional football structure has already been working for a long time towards the new season, with the coach’s collaboration. The weaknesses of the squad and the targets to strengthen it have been identified, contacts are already underway and the squad will, of course, undergo changes. At least two full-backs will be hired, for the left and right, but there will be more news. The first new face of the team is already known — Leandro Barreiro, 24 years old, a midfielder who ends his contract with Mainz and arrives in Luz with the approval of the German coach.
Rui Costa will very soon have to decide on Roger Schmidt’s future. The end of the season is approaching and other important decisions have to be made. It is impossible not to conclude that the uncertainty regarding the coach affects the construction of the new squad. And, in this sense, the speed of some ongoing processes has decreased. The main work, in any case, already has ballast and the future of the next season has begun to be safeguarded in the current one.
It is clear, for the structure of professional football, that it will be necessary to hire two full-backs — one competing for Bah, on the right, and another with the capacity to own the left. Benfica has until May 31st to exercise the clause to buy Álvaro Carreras, for €6 million, that remains the idea, but the Spanish under-21 international has not yet been formally informed of the decision.
Leandro Barreiro, Luxembourg international, is a box to box, with a lot of intensity, ideal for forming the midfielder duo in front of the defense. He has similar characteristics to João Neves, although SAD intends to keep the 19-year-old Portuguese player for at least one more season.
Rafa’s departure is a given at Luz, but it will not require the hiring of a replacement. Roger Schmidt has used the Turkish international to support the striker — if the coach continues, he will bet on the Turkish international in a more advanced position on the field and better suited to the greatest qualities of the reinforcement that cost €25 million. This situation could even force the German coach to change the system, or at least the dynamics of the team, which will gain someone very strong in the last pass and shot, but will lose speed in attack.
Rollheiser was hired to replace Di María, his arrival at Luz was scheduled for the summer, but was precipitated by the departure of Gonçalo Guedes. He is now more adapted to the new reality and prepared to respond as a winger. But the 24-year-old Argentine is also considered for the role that has been played by Rafa. The same happens with Gianluca Prestianni, an option for the wing and to support the striker.
With Andreas Schjelderup back — he will do pre-season — one of the biggest unknowns is Di María. The world champion’s departure was expected, but the threats to his family made him rethink and he is available to continue for another year.
Many changes in the squad are dependent on departures — João Neves, António Silva, Morato, Kokçu, David Neres or Arthur Cabral have a market and some offers will certainly reach Luz. Tengstedt does not have the security of continuing and could open the door to a advanced.
