With a 30m sale of Larsen now likely and the 40m sale of Veiga last year, this transfer window should be fascinating. Now I haven't seen many transfer rumours (pls mention any you've seen).
I've liked the decisions Celta have made, Rafa Benitez failed but was a reasonable hire considering they wanted to shore up their defence and wanted a manager who'd help develop players, with his cv the hiring decision was a wise one. They then face him a lot of time (which they got a lot of flack for) but again the underlying numbers were good, celta were just underperforming which isn't a tactical issue. But once he was fired they didn't take any manager available but went with Giraldez from the B team which was another good decision, this time one that paid off.
Now the issues they had this season were mostly defensive, they simply leaked in far too many goals. Especially late in the game which I presume has been a conditioning issue which I hope is worked upon.
The two massive positives of having Giraldez have been the attacking style and the academy players being introduced.
Last seasons signings (summer signings only):
- Carles Peres: failed having played under a 1000 minutes despite coating over 5m.
- Manu Sanchez: a very smart free transfer which was ok ig, still expect him to improve as he's a decent player with good potential.
- Bamba: Quality player I was shocked went to Celta but has been predictably good, hopefully stays for a long time as he could be key post Aspas.
- Dotor: A valuable signing for little money who flirted with being a starter for a few games mid season. A midfielder who I always thought was best at popping into the box as a goalscoring mf at Castilla but wasn't ready for the top division. Obviously never could have replaced Veiga and Vigo should've gotten a starting level cm last year instead but dotor has potential and hopefully can have more of an impact next season.
- Starfelt: Another signing that just makes sense but didn't work out, I heard he might go back to Celtic which would be OK ig. Unavailability of the cbs was a massive issue all season.
- Douvikas: 13m on this guy. Don't think they should've done so. But he scored as much as Larsen in like half the minutes. Idk if he has what it takes to be a top flight striker but for the sake of celta I hope he does.
So onto the holes in the squad. I think this team needs a striker replacement, 2 starting centre backs and a starting midfielder. Unai Nunez is the only cb I trust and I'd rather play Oscar Mingueza as a full back/ wing back since I like his crossing.
So here are some realistic signings I'd like:
Alvaro Rodriguez: Going down the Dotor route and signing another Castilla product. Hes clearly ready for the top division and would be good competition for Douvikas. Likely joining Getafe.
Sergi roberto although unsure about this: Despite Hugo Sotelo doing well alongside Tapia (who should be a definite starter) I feel like a good cm is needed, although I'm not sure who. There's quite a few players in the squad who I hope step up and make a cm unnecessary. There's also Damian Rodriguez, as I said loads of cms and loads of academy players introduced. I'd like an experienced guy alongside all these young players.
Alejandro Frances: A center back I really like at Zaragoza who could play on the right.
Raillo: Mallorca's captain and cb. Probably unrealistic but what a signing that would be!
Pablo Ramon: if Frances is undoable. Another Castilla guy.
Nico Paz: not needed in the squad but a very talented who could potentially be a bargain signing and a decent market opportunity.