I was hoping that the end of the transfer window would put an end to talk about people moving between clubs.
Turns out I was wrong, because today, not for the first time and probably not for the last time, I’m talking about the goalkeeping situation. Specifically I’m talking about the implications that the end of the window had on one man, Costel Pantilimon.
As my colleague Crippy Cooke touched on yesterday, Pantilimon was reportedly linked with a move to Olympiacos in the summer, but because the Greek side made signings elsewhere, and promoted young Konstantinos Tzolakis into the first team, there was essentially no need for him anymore.
Which then brings us into a bit of a conundrum. What exactly do we do with him? I have spoken recently about the situation that we find ourselves in regards to our two summer signings, Aro Muric and Brice Samba and how we might be better off cutting ties with Muric, both for financial reasons and to keep up a good relationship with Manchester City in the future. Here’s why we might be able to bring the two ideas together.
As much as it pains me to say it, because I was a huge fan of his before he signed for us and thought he had the potential to have a long career at the City Ground, but I think we should send Muric back to Manchester and keep hold of Pantilimon as the backup goalkeeper. It seems more than likely that Samba has established himself as the team’s number one goalkeeper going forward, having started the last four games in all competitions, and his recent performances were enough to put him at the top of Nottinghamshire Live’s ‘Power Rankings’.
Pantilimon still has some use in this division, his clean sheet record from last season demonstrates that, and as much as you don’t want to end up using him, particularly if Brice Samba can keep up producing some of the saves he’s produced this season, but at least you know that he’s there as an option when you need him.
What do you think? Should we promote Pantilimon to the backup spot and send Muric back to Manchester City? Or do you think Muric still has a use for us?
