We didnt need that many changes to start with tbh but we seem to be cutting corners by refusing to spend on necessary players and choosing to rely on our starters. I feel we have the attack covered if James says but I am still not happy that we are not adding another DM many of who were moving around this window so it's not like there were lack of options.

There just doesnt seem to be concrete reports about targets and all the rumoured players go to othet teams for really cheap which makes me tink that we were never in for them to start with. The DM position in the market is drying up quickly and all we are doing is loaning out players and dragging our feet on replacements

I don't believe Nacho is going anywhere. Like Hala said the possible replacements we had have been loaned out and the couple of options that were being considered have long since disappeared. It was stated that Zidane wanted him, Kova and Jese loaned out to give them starter minutes, but that was months ago and the club definitely needs 4CBs.

This lack of activity, to me, suggests that our worst fears are happening. that after the success of CL last season, they decided team was good enough! Yes, they pursued Zidane's dreams, but each one turned out to be unattainable.

What activity have they done? they brought back Morata (that's a yeah from me, but I think I'm the only one!) to fill the void of only one CF on team.

And they are taking care of their youth assets, by loaning or sale with buy back options to further develop them. The one noticeable aspect of this is they are no longer trying to stack Castilla. they are taking the best players from there and getting them first team action. @DoC, you missed Mariano and Odegaard in your summarization. Both are going with 1st team to America, but they are working on deals for both of them. All that is left in this regard is Asensio, Jese and maybe Kova. They will wait until after the America trip before deciding on them.

However with this total lack of activity, it may well be they are giving up on those loans as well.

In other words, it sure looks like same team as last year with backup CF addition, no backup DM and no backup LB, although they could say they have Coentrao after November!

Oh, for that swinger that Nick was asking for ....... Meet the new acquistion ! ......... James Rodriquez!

I don't ever remember an off season as mild as this one and especially confusing is it is after a very irractic season when lots of problems were apparent and with the possible looming transfer ban.

The only rationale I can think of is they tried unsuccessfully for Zidane's dreams that Zidane thought would improve starters and now feel their starters are adequate and that they can always get backups late in off season, if they do make sale (James) or decide it is best to loan out Jese, Asensio and Kova. Probably feeling there always are backups available that can play as well as the incumbents!

Looks like the Nacho deal is loan with option to buy. Well if it goes through I am almost certain they will exercise that right. Wish him the best of luck

Marca says we are interested in Giminez (from Atleti).

I think we have been interested for a while.

I think they are done except for
- A 4th CB as it does seem like Nacho is going,
- possibly a LB as Coentrao is out until November, - possibly of Gomes coming which would mean Kova goes out on the loan suggested
- And the (assuming James does stay) possible loan deals for Jese and / or Asensio

Looks like they looked into all the dreams and when they didn't work out, they are simply plugging the holes in terms of backups / reserves from last year, plus they are not fearful of signing ban possibilities and counting in recalling developing talent on loans if necessary as well they are loaning out developing talent that will not get minutes to complete development.

I think it is to replace Kovacic if he is sold which is the dumbest idea ever. Zizou ahould do everything to retain Nacho. Players like him are invaluable for a team like us. Also Kovacic deserves another season

Yh most big teams this season have bought cheap young players to fill gaps rather than high profile buys that will dominate the headlines

I know we havent done much but we have covered 2 of the 3 positions that needed covering urgently. I have a feeling we wont buy a DM and will only make Kroos the back up. It is very risky especially if Casemiro gets injured at the end of the season when we will play in the CL latest stage and both Atleti and Barca. We can get away with Kroos against all the other teams but in CL and against our rivals we will need Casemiro

Deez, it is being stated that Flo believes his appeals will be successful and therefore feels there will be no signing ban. In the event that he is unsuccessful, they feel there is enough talent out there on loan deals that can be recalled if reinforcements are necessary.

They obviously feel they have enough talent, not only for this season but for next as well. THe Pogba deal would have been over 250M when one considers the wages including taxes over 5 years, plus it would upset the club wages hierachy. THat is the reason they have stepped aside.

@Hala, if they get Gomes, it is not to sell Kovacic, it is to loan him. Zidane stated a while ago it was better for unfinished developed players to go elsewhere to play more rather than stay here with little minutes. Jese and Kova are the two mentioned and possibly Nacho as well.

My question exactly. Llorente was ready to come back, why did he leave if Nacho was leaving too. Benatia is gone, Stones is overpriced, Koulibaly is probably headed to Chelsea. Whatever move we make we have to take into account Varane's feelings, as he is usually quick to moan about playing time