Sevilla swiftly rebuilding squad after high-profile departures
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After sensationally securing back-to-back Europa League victories, Sevilla paid the price of their success by losing several key stars, but both highly-driven boss Unai Emery and club sporting director Monchi have been swift in filling the void left by the recent departures.
Following further European glory last term, the Bathtubs have witnessed many of the main players behind that success depart the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, with fans set to see a host of new signings next campaign (66/1 with Coral for La Liga title glory).
Star striker Carlos Bacca recently joined AC Milan, Gerard Deulofeu signed for Everton after a previous loan spell on Merseyside, while Aleix Vidal moved to Barcelona and Fernando Navarro switched allegiances to Deportivo La Coruna.
Although ambitious Sevilla haven’t wasted time counting their losses, instead swiftly delving into the summer transfer market for immediate replacements, as they aim to build upon last season’s European triumph and a fifth-place finish.
Talented Dnipro winger Yevhen Konoplyanka enjoyed another superb season, helping them to an unexpected Europa League final outing, where they were beaten by Sevilla.
Though, if you can’t beat them, join them, and that’s exactly what the 25-year-old has done, with the Ukraine international attacker also hoping to help his country qualify for Euro 2016 later this year (22/1 to win Group C).
Stoke City were massively tipped to land the tricky wideman, but have turned attentions to Xherdan Shaqiri instead, with Sevilla swooping for his services instead this summer, a genuine transfer gem from Emery’s side.
Along with Konoplyanka, Michael Krohn-Dehli arrived at the club, with the experienced midfielder being brought in from Celta Vigo. The 32-year-old Denmark international brushed off concerns over his age upon his arrival and outlined his desire to help the Bathtubs in their Champions League campaign.
“Sevilla is a great team. I saw the final of the Europa League and now it’s a dream to play in the Champions League, I’m very happy here,” said Krohn-Deli. “I think that in my career I’ve always been good physically and last year was the best. I want to repeat the same thing this season.
Premier League champions Chelsea have become known for letting plenty of young talent leave Stamford Bridge in recent years (8/5 for PL title), and Gael Kakuta was one of the latest to do so, having also joined Sevilla this summer.
The French winger spent last season on loan at Rayo Vallecano but penned a four-year deal at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan recently, and is another new arrival that has stated his intent at making an impact in this new project.
“I’m here because of what I did at Rayo,” Kakuta said. “If Sevilla have focused on me it’s because of that. I can bring quality to this team. I really like Sevilla’s sporting project and the team plays very good football.”
The former Fulham and Bolton Wanderers loanee was out of contract with the Blues this month but Chelsea have reportedly pocketed £2.5m in compensation from the Bathtubs because he is under the age of 24.
Konoplyanka, Krohn-Deli and Kakuta are three talented acquisitions that will undoubtedly boost Emery’s attacking ranks, and the rearguard has received a massive boost as well, with AC Milan centre back Adil Rami set to sign, subject to a medical.
The France international struggled in Serie A last season but returns to the country where he made his name at Valencia, while the capture of Spanish left back Sergio Escudero from Getafe will fill the hole left by Navarro’s departure.
With midfield and defence being bolstered, Emery will need to obtain a proven goalscorer to replace Bacca as the final piece of his newly constructed outfit. Raul Rusescu will return to the club after two consecutive loan spells at Braga and Steaua Bucuresti, but has yet to prove he can be trusted leading the line, so a new frontman is required.
Sevilla may have lost plenty of their former European heroes this summer, but Emery hasn’t waited around, rebuilding a squad which he will hope can make an impact in the Champions League and challenge La Liga’s superior sides next season.
