The negativity is bonkers.
I really don’t see how we’re in a weaker position. We’ve sold one striker, who never showed much ability or potential with us (that isn’t to say he doesn’t have any), wasn’t a starter last year, and wouldn’t have been this year, and doesn’t suit MR’s system of choice last season or this.
I’m also not sure how much weight the ‘Hiwula looks better out wide’ argument holds. He barely got a chance to play as a central striker last year. And if he wasn’t up to scratch on the rare occasions he did, let’s not forget half this forum wrote him off after his first few games out wide. He has the attributes to play as the central striker in a three, as long as we play football on the ground; he’s quick, makes intelligent runs, is technically sound and has pace.
I also wouldn’t write off Bakayoko or Biamou. The former is still young and shows glimpses of potential and the latter is an unknown at this level, but if he can step up, is a very good link player.
Granted Bright is a loss, but we’ve changed systems to accommodate and Kelly, Allen and Bayliss is a very strong L1 midfield.
Plus, we’re still a week away from the start of the seaon and weeks till the window ends. Plenty of time to bring Walker and/or Bright and/or a another in, whilst still having a strong squad to start the season.