It's unsettling to see familiar players moving on, but it's exactly what needs to happen if we're going to challenge for the top spots. I guess Doc and Vinny would have been at the top of many people's lists for weakest link, Saïss and Donk after them (although I wouldn't want to see them leave). I know opinion is divided on Vinny, but personally I feel he's been here long enough to have reached his potential, and that he's unlikely to get any better. (Same for MGW, tbh.) I'm trusting the club's judgement that Marçal will improve us. Nuno's got a pretty good track record so far. If we can land Esteves as well, happy days at the back.
The small-squad template has been successful so far, but squad depth and rotation are characteristic of most top clubs. It's the only way to get strength throughout the whole bench, for a start, and makes it easier to cope successfully with injuries and cup runs. I get the impression from the rumours that we might be looking to move further in that direction this season, which for me would be a welcome move.
