How Raphael Varane’s Real Madrid departure impacts Barcelona
By Ali Iqbal
Transfer season is in full bloom, and a major domino has just fallen for Barcelona’s rival club Real Madrid. According to tier 1 journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid and Manchester United have agreed on a fee for center-back Raphael Varane, as Varane is now set to depart Madrid.
More from FC Barcelona News
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- FC Barcelona tracking 20-year-old goal machine
- Lamine Yamal’s involvement causing tension at FC Barcelona
- How can Xavi unlock Joao Felix for FC Barcelona?
This is pivotal news, because Varane is one of the top center-backs in the world, and at 28, is in the prime of his career. His departure leaves the Madrid backline theoretically weaker than it has been in years past, as his former backline-partner, Sergio Ramos, recently signed for PSG as a free agent. Although Madrid recently signed David Alaba, the outgoings of Varane and Ramos have left a hole in the squad that may need repair.
This has direct implications for Barca. Barring any major additions, the backline for Madrid has taken a significant hit, and this is likely to make the team more vulnerable to strong attacking play. Barca can take advantage of this weaker backline if they attack efficiently and affectively, and exploit the holes that hinder Madrid’s backline. If Barca take advantage of Madrid’s weaknesses, then the fight for La Liga supremacy can tilt towards Barca’s favour.
Raphael Varane’s pending departure leaves a hole in Madrid’s backline that Barcelona can take advantage of
Although it is fair to say that Barca and Madrid are in times of slight transition, it is clear that Madrid is going through the most significant turnover at the moment. Barcelona are far from perfect at the moment, but with core stars and fresh attacking talent at their disposal, it is in Barca’s hands to leapfrog their rivals and once again be the best club in Spain.
Next. 3 Manchester City Superstars Barcelona Should Sign. dark
In Varane’s departure, yet another integral piece of last decade’s Barca-Madrid rivalry has left the picture. With Real Madrid’s loss, comes Barca’s opportunity to win back Spanish supremacy.