Seemingly, transfer window after transfer window, rumours about the future of Antoine Griezmann surrounded Real Sociedad but after hanging onto him for so long, the France international has moved on La Liga holders Atletico Madrid.
La Real received a hefty €30m for their star man but having already lost goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, the money needs to be wisely invested if they are to make another challenge for Europe.
The Basques have perhaps punched above their weight in the past two seasons. A club with a well renowned academy, a modest budget and a squad with few stand out names, they managed to finish fourth in 2012-13 and qualify for the Champions League.
Despite the added games in Europe last season, La Real still finished in seventh place and qualified for the Europa League. However, as their success continues, the vultures have circled this summer and Coach Jagoba Arrasate has work to do before the season starts.
The San Sebastian based side have already made movements in the market. They've added striker Alfreo Finnbogason to their attacking options. An unknown quantity to most, the Iceland international had an impressive record at his old club Heerenveen, scoring 53 in 65 games. A gamble at a rumoured €8m, he will look to replace some of Griezmann's goals.
Argentinean goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli has also been loaned in for a season from Estudiantes. At just 22 and with only 53 appearances at first team level it would seem unlikely he is to fill the boots of Bravo straight away and you would think the club are on the lookout for an experienced stopper.
Cristopher Toselli, another Chilean goalkeeper, has been rumoured to be on the radar and would fit the bill nicely, as has Osasuna's No.2 Asier Riesgo, but he would seem an odd choice.
Following a loan spell interrupted by injury last season, the club have also completed the permanent signing of Esteban Granero from QPR for a fee in the region of €4m. A shrewd buy for a man who knows the Division so well and has so much quality, Granero should provide some of the creativity that will be missed after Griezmann's departure.
The defence remains untouched and they continue to hang on to Inigo Martinez who attracts great interest each transfer window. With the money brought in, should they want to reinforce in that department they can.
While a top class goalkeeper is a priority, a direct replacement for Griezmann is also a must. His pace, trickery, delivery and scoring ability will be hugely missed and the club need to have that player who can give them a spark in games.
The need to replace Bravo and Griezmann makes president Jokin Aperribay's statement that their transfer dealings are complete for the summer look strange if his club are to continue challenging at the top end of La Liga. Some shrewd signings have been made but Bravo and Griezmann have left big gaps to fill.
