Hard to tell how Mike will play this one. I genuinely think he'll try to hold on to Rafa and gamble on getting straight back up as the amount of money we lose on not being in the Premiership after a year or two dwarfs the amount of money he'd be gambling. One season isn't an unmanageable hit but if by January we're flailing then we'd start clearing the decks wholesale style.
I can't see Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Townsend, Janmaat, Tiote, Thauvin, Cabella or Cisse taking the step down and amongst them there are a couple of good players who just I can see clubs taking a punt on. Figures? Who knows.
If we keep hold of some of Mbemba, Perez, Mitrovic, Dummett, Anita, Shelvey, Lascelles, Krul/Elliot, Colback, etc then we could have a young team to try and improve (big bloody ask). The shame is I actually think Mitrovic and Perez could really work up front and a season where they perhaps get more opportunities could be just what they need but chances are against us having either of them.
I wouldn't be surprised whatever happens next. Logic doesn't seem to figure highly on our radar.