After a disappointing 2016-17 campaign, Barcelona must bring in new players immediately to avoid another frustrating season of football.
Rarely does a team consisting of talents the likes of Messi, Neymar and Suarez need to make signings desperately. The coming summer though is going to be one such rare occasion. For the past few years, Barcelona have managed to hide their shortcomings behind the incredible talents of their front three. But last season, Barcelona seemed incapable of competing with Europe’s elite clubs.
Behind the sparkling attacking trio of the team lies a rotting midfield engine. Father Time has caught up with Iniesta while Busquets seems to be losing some of his mythical consistency. Management seem to have their doubts about Rakitic though he seems to be the pick of the current Barca midfield. Andre Gomes and Denis Suarez were brought in last year to provide depth but failed spectacularly.
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The defence is leaky as it has ever been. Last season, Sergi Roberto had to fill in at right back due to lack of quality options. A new right back should be a priority for the team this season. Back up must also be provided to Messi and Neymar to keep them fresh for the big games.
Currently, the Board seems to have identified Marco Verratti, Ousmane Dembele and Hector Bellerin to fill the gaps that exist in the squad. All three are brilliant players and more than good enough to play for the club. The problem though lies with the contracts that they have with their current clubs. None of these players will be out of contract before 2021. As a result, their clubs are under no pressure to sell them immediately.
Hence, Barcelona will have to pay premium money to sign their targets. Money that they may not have. Messi’s contract runs out in a year and there is no way the club can let him leave. Rumours were that Barca would have to cut Turan and Mathieu just to facilitate Messi’s new contract. Both of these players are still with the club.
Logic suggests that Barca should give up on Bellerin and sign someone like Kyle Walker who will come cheaper and is probably a better player too. There is also no guarantee that PSG will let Verratti leave. All signs suggest that they probably won’t despite the Italian’s wishes. And Dembele seems to be a luxury that the club can’t afford right now.
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Sooner or later, Barcelona has to make a move in the transfer market. After the debacle of last season, the squad needs new faces desperately. The summer transfer window poses a tricky question for the Board, the answer to which they must figure out quickly.