Barcelona : Ariedo Braida rules out Leon Goretzka signing
Barcelona have decided not to approach Leon Goretzka over a free transfer next summer
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Barca’s international scout Ariedo Braida has publicly acknowledged that the club will not be targeting Leon Goretzka. The English media had initially reported that Barca, along with Bayern Munich were the frontrunners for his signature.
While Braida admitted that the club had sent him to Germany to scout Goretzka, he would not submit a positive report. Thus, he ruled out a move for the German international.
"He said, “Without doubt he is a great player. But it’s too soon for Barcelona. I travel all over the world in search of the best talent. But our demands are so high…”"
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While the veteran scout may be right, the club cannot afford to be short-sighted. He spoke as if he expected to find a world-class 22-year old in Leon Goretzka. In today’s world, that kind of player doesn’t exist.
Instead, the club should attempt to nurture young talent into world-class players. But Barcelona’s policy is slowly becoming like Real Madrid’s. The club expects ready-made talent on its doorstep while doing nothing nut paying huge amounts.
The prime example was the case of Jean Michaël Seri. Now, it is Leon Goretzka. Goretzka’s case is even worse than that of Seri. Barca had to pay Nice €40 million for Seri, while the club could have signed Leon Goretzka on a free transfer.
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If the board continues its current policy and ignores the power of youth, the club’s famed La Masia academy will see it’s downfall.