The Open Thread/Daily Merengue is a place where you can discuss anything and everything related to football. Feel free to discuss the topics presented here, or start your very own discussions! The Open thread will be posted every day by one of the mods you would totally treat to cocktails: Valyrian Steel, Felipejack, YoSnail, Ezek Ix or yours truly.

♫ Varane you’re so far away... So far away ♫

(rhythm from the song Arash by Arash)

So, he’s gone isn’t he? It honestly feels weird to lose two now legendary centre backs in the same window. It’s just too much of a change. We’ve been hearing the rumors for a good while now, but I had trouble believing both Ramos and Varane would leave and yet here we are.

Now, here’s the thing; Remember all those discussions about a number of possible sales to fund an Mbappe transfer? This interesting little article from Marca might help you remember it for the 8234572th time this month, in case you forgot. In all seriousness though, while Varane might have been rated higher, Los Blancos cashed in on a player who seemed dead set on leaving the team, bagging about 50 mil. That’s a step closer.

Man does the CB pair strike me as odd... Well, what can you do.

Change: Know that nothing ever stays the same.

(Let me know if you got the reference)

New FK taker on the block?

Well why not?! Alaba is a fairly accurate free kick taker. Let’s be frank here; The team’s been well below the standard they should keep, given their position in world football -I’m still referring to FKs. Goals from set pieces can change the momentum of games and define them. So why not take advantage of a good FK taker now that he’s here. Odegaard can also add to that. Here’s a relevant article on Marca, if you’re interested in a short read.

Have fun boys and girls. May the Madridismo be with you all.