The defensive transfer window of OM: towards a gamble on a young "top central defender"?

It feels like the transfer market is heating up at La Commanderie, especially for the central defender position. Gone are the flashy prospects like Laporte, Aguerd, or Ndicka! According to Walid Acherchour's insightful input on WFC on YouTube, OM is clearly targeting a promising young center-back, under 23 years old, and especially far from the spotlight of the five big leagues. What do you think of this new strategy? Are we right to venture off the beaten path?

Three profiles that fit the Olympian target

Reading between the lines, several names are circulating. First, Taras Mykhavko from Dynamo Kiev. 20 years old, 1.85m, left-footed, strong, clean passer… honestly, let's not kid ourselves, not many have seen him play here, but he checks all the boxes for the desired profile. It's a pure gamble, but if we really want to stray from overpriced "sure bets," it's the kind of case to seriously consider.

Then, Yusuf Akçiçek from Fenerbahçe, 19 years old, even taller (1.93m), also left-footed, already a starter in Süper Lig and noted in Europe. Manchester United, Bayern, Leipzig are interested, so watch out for competition and prices which can quickly soar if several clubs get involved. But in terms of sports, he's solid, and he could progress quickly with us. Can you imagine an Akçiçek – Balerdi duo?

Finally, Albian Hajdari, a Swiss central defender, 22 years old, playing for FC Lugano. Less known, but consistent and technical, he was trained at FC Basel, went through Juve, and already has experience in the Swiss Super League. A discreet profile, but one that could really make a leap at OM. Do you approve of this kind of profile or do you prefer a more "bling-bling" name?

The Joël Ordonez case: real plan B or a false lead?

Sacha Tavolieri, the Belgian football specialist, dropped the name Joël Ordonez, 21 years old, a mainstay of Club Bruges and an Ecuadorian international. He's a right-footer, often used as a right-back in the national team, but he's already proven himself against big teams (three clean-sheets against Brazil, Chile, and Peru with Ecuador). The problem? He's not exactly the left-footer Pablo Longoria is looking for to complement Medina and Balerdi. But as often happens in the transfer market, a good opportunity can change the plans. Personally, would you take the chance?

Analysis of the "U23" gamble: risks, finances, and ambitions

So, what do we do? Betting on a young player with high potential is enticing on paper: reasonable purchase price, large margin for progression, and then, if they succeed, easy resale in three years. But the risk is ending up with a player who takes time to adapt to Ligue 1 and the pressure of the Vélodrome. Financially, OM can hardly spend 15 million on a Laporte, and with the competition for very promising youngsters, we will have to be smart and quick. On your side, do you prefer to secure with an experienced thirty-something, or do we keep trying out moves like "PSG going after Pacho"?

And you, friends, who would you like to see arrive in the back?

You must have an opinion, right? Mykhavko, Akçiçek, Hajdari, Ordonez, or another youngster you've spotted on Football Manager (admit it!)… Tell us in the comments who you would bet on to strengthen the central axis. We want your analyses, your favorites, your doubts! And as always, let's stay connected on the news of our OM: to your keyboards!