Yeah, on the basis of Soriano's quotes that sounds about right to me. Never thought 8/9 signings in one window was likely tbh.
Think Toure could yet stay though, and have a hunch we'll go for a left back rather than a right back.
Cant believe people are talking about being underwhelmed at "only" spending £150m! Well, I can but some expectations just aren't realistic. At least three of those signings will go straight into the starting XI, and you can't just rip apart a team overnight. Evolution, not revolution and all that.
Still think if an opportunity, like say Kroos, presented itself then we'd go for it (as with Otamendi last summer) but I wouldn't pin all my hopes on it.
If it is a 5 of Gundogan, Nolito, Stones, Sane, Peres - by my use of underwhelmed earlier, I just mean it would be disappointing to not address the areas I feel we have ignored for too long which contributed to a another sub-par season to what is expected. It'd be another window of another centre back (realise Demi gone, so if 1 CB in that's sensible) whilst not addressing both fullback positions. Angelino, despite having MLS experience, I feel wouldn't be experienced enough for the pressures of the prem - he also, self-admittedly is very attack minded and needs to work on his defensive game - a European/championship loan could help ready him and allow us to test the waters with him. I think if we kept Zab (I hope we do), he'd get back into a very useful form for us as he makes more intelligent runs than Sagna (who, in his favour is more consistent defensively) but I think we need a young, reliable fullback on either side that Pep can mould into fullbacks we can rely on for years to come. Admittedly, unless one is utilised in a different position occasionally by Pep, I would prefer to keep both Sagna and Zab and a replacement for Kolarov (brilliant player for the club in the past), who i think is right to move on at this time.
If we go into the season with Bony and no new forward, that would be extremely disappointing, he clearly isn't cut for us. It'd be a real challenge for Pep to make him a benefit to the team. We can't rely on Aguero all season and Iheanacho on his own (if Aguero is out) - we'd probably still see similar struggles we've experienced in the past in this scenario.
Would Nolito be the new forward/backup striker? I don't know enough about him. Sane and Nolito on the wings otherwise at who's expense?
If Sterling comes out of this trial of the hate/scapegoating campaign with the right mentality, he should become a very resilient person and an excellent player for it - hopefully he does and becomes a key player for us once he grows older and gains more experience.
Also, I have to say - Yaya needs to go - spreads lethargy in the team.
