Why are people overreacting? A new Douglas? Jesus fucking Christ, are you even listening to yourself?
We desperately needed a LB backup who wasn't Adriano or Mathieu, you won't find a better LB who is willing to sit on the bench to begin with, and he's young and still promising, not to forget the fact that two seasons ago he was one of the, if not the biggest LB talent in Europe, having showed great potential at Lille. Yes, he couldn't knock off Maxwell, but he's more or less still in the form of his life. He went to Roma where he has been really solid, in a league where demands for defenders are huge.
16M (potentially 20 in some years which could turn out to be worth it anyways) is decent, and he will probably get good chances to show himself, due to Alba's injury history and the usual chances in cups/vs bad opponents.
We actually got a good deal we needed, it happened extremely effectively, and there's still money left for Vietto who I don't think will cost more than 20M + Vermaelen and pocket change Douglas, Tello, Song, Adriano.
That would conclude a phenomenal window, in my opinion. Well done by the technical secretary, Robert and Lucho. And no, not the board. It's not their job to pick and buy players, ffs.
Lucho has been signing short term since he came. This window, only long-term, with players who can all play against solid opposition if tested in the spot. You complain when we sign and are rumored with old wood and also complain when we buy promise? Decide..
The RB market it horrible, so why waste the money now when Bellerin is a realistic target next season? Roberto showed he can do the job next season and Vidal needs to show more, but it's easy to forget he's still trying to adapt a new style, let alone a whole new position.
A world class midfielder? Seriously? First of all there's not even a need. Iniesta and Rakitic are class first picks, and Arda, Roberto, Rafinha, Denis are more than capable to cover for them. Secondly, a world class midfielder would block any development for our own youngsters on the team, all of whom have already showed they can perform on this level against any opposition. Arda already blocked some younger minutes last season, and look how he played! He's staying, so how on earth would you fit a world class midfielder on the bench, and where in heaven's name would you get the money? Let's say Digne wasn't signed and we settled with Mathieu as the LB backup. There'd be 36M left in the bank. Which world class midfielder can you sign for that? And on top of that, someone who is willing to sit behind Rakitic whom we all know is loved by Lucho and will stay as a fixed starter. Sometimes, people just talk and talk without putting their considerations in realistic boxes with sensible arguments.
If we get Vietto, this window has been fantastic. Only Marquinhos would've made it perfect imo, but we all know it's impossible, plus Mascherano is staying for now and Umtiti is great.
Next season, when the money is there, Bellerin should be more than happy to return, and then our RB is settled for many, many years to come. And that's only if Vidal + Roberto underperform.
Let's say Iniesta or Rakitic will need a replacement after next season and it's clear that Arda should leave and Rafinha, Roberto or Denis aren't ready to take over, then there's a genuine concern on that position, and a galactico signing like Pogba would be in the cards. Otherwise we'll just continue like this, either way sell Arda imo because Halilovic is coming back and let Denis, Rafinha and Roberto continue to develop in the same roles, not even to forget that Samper would be back too after a hopefully successful loan and that Kaptoum and Aleña have had good years at Barça B, which would mean some first team chances at least.
Just what I think...
TL;DR: Digne isn't a "scam", solid signings who can help now and in the future, no need for more after a backup striker. If needed, a top CM and Bellerin for next summer.
