The summer story so far: Villarreal ins and outs

All transfer fees shown are per transfermarkt, except Pato’s, which is reported from media, and Espinoza, whose transfer has not been confirmed by Villarreal (although the player himself has done so)

IN

Alexandre Pato (€3m)

Denis Cheryshev (€8m)

Cristian Espinoza (we think; still not officially confirmed) €5m?

Alfred N’Diaye (€7m)

Jose Angel, Andres Fernandez (loan)

Akram Afif (?)

total (excluding Espinoza) €18m

OUT

Eric Bailly (€38m)

Samu Garcia (€5m)

Denis Suarez (€3.25m)

Tomas Pina (€3m)

not aware of other fees for loans with buybacks, Nahuel’s loan, etc.

total €49.25m

Needs:

One centerback, preferably; one winger, preferably, or even two; one striker; one attacking midfielder.

The players most linked with these positions in the last few days have been Jardel (presumably a loan), Sansone (€15m), Ghazzal (€5m?), and ...... However, Jardel and Sansone now look unlikely, and Ghazzal is only a rumor. Januzaj on loan from Manchester United, maybe? Based on the numbers above, it looks as though we could go for one player in the €15m range, but we’re not too likely to go after two players at that price point, or spend €20m on one player.

Of course, if Mateo Musacchio’s transfer does eventually happen, he will need to be replaced as well. Milan appear to be trying to flog Carlos Bacca to make it happen, as the new owners’ money is now not expected until mid-September, and they appear to have no transfer budget otherwise.