It is frustrating when you see the likes of Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton going about their business efficiently and getting the players they think they need by 1st August. Only Sunderland and Fulham are on a par with us for the fewest players signed, with one each. This is how the club have operated for most of our time in the PL, for better or worse, so it is no surprise that we're here again. With Lacroix gone, we are now weaker than we were when we ended the season, with a much tougher European competition to navigate and a manager who is new to the league.
Once you go outside of what is our strongest XI there are a lot of ifs and buts, eg will Johnson rediscover the ability to score, can JSL turn effort into goals, can Franca win that Ballon d'Or? Reasons to be positive include Doucoure finally making his way back, the potential signing of Tomiyasu, who, if he stays fit, would be a fantastic signing, and some real potential in Drakes-Thomas and Cardines. I have a feeling we might end up signing someone like Disai on loan to see us through at least until Christmas, Le Guen for the future, plus maybe one more central midfielder if we sell Devenny. Then I think that might be it if we don't sell anyone else.
The number 11 being free does leave room for dreaming though...