Barca Transfers and Rumors
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Sorin
Well-known member
Again with a comparison with a team that has vastly bettter players in all positions. Of course you watched Barca rely on possession, high press etc. because we had better fucking players. No matter what defending organization, style or system we'll employ next season, Araujo will not turn into prime Puyol, Lenglet will not turn into prime Mascherano or Emerson into Daniel Alves. And that's only the backline, don't even have to mention the gulf in class between our midfield right now to the midfield of 10 years ago.
And of course it's about better managers, you even mention the difference in Chelsea with Tuchel and Lampard. How is that not a manager's hand at work?
And of course it's about fitter/faster players since what you want to do with the high pressing relies on having legs to do it effectively. We can't defend from the front if we rely on the likes of 34 yo Messi, Griezmann and soft Dembele. Or even the likes of Depay or Aguero. Saying that fitter/stronger players do not make a huge difference in being able to defend is absolute nonsense.
I'm sorry, but if we don't bring in a good to great CB, i don't think our defending will improve. Araujo, Garcia, Lenglet, Mingueza won't cut it, let's be serious.
Anyway we'll see who is right and who is wrong next year.
Bobo32
Senior Member
No team has a better player than Messi, and not Busquets either.
Puyol, Pique and Alves are goats in hindsight, but in a non functioning, defending, team they wouldn't be that great in their prime.
We don't have that kind of defenders now I agree, but I'd say the defending problem lies more in the attackers losing possesion in the wrong place/time and the midfield being out of position etc. Barcelona can't defend deep, the defenders aren't bought/developed for that kind of play, but they have been forced to do it too much in later years.
I don't think Barcelona will defend very well next year under Koeman, but I don't think the problem lies as much in individual players as structurally - Rudiger and Christensen wouldn't instantly make Barcelona a better team, and I don't know that Tuchel would either by the way (well Koeman is particularly bad so he probably would improve things, but he wouldn't make wonders)
With time, of course Barcelona need better defenders too, I agree. Puyol was only partly replaced by Mascherano for a while and Pique is yet to be replaced. Someone like Silva could be bought multiple times and it would be a good transfer.
Barcilliant
Senior Member
We need alot of players. A starting cb is a priority. We absolutely need a proper physical midfielder who would start. For the love of God, De Jong, Pedri, Busquets and Puig are not going to win us anything.
I'd like a new goal keeper but that fraud Mats has everyone fooled so he will continue to be number one.
I'd like a new goal keeper but that fraud Mats has everyone fooled so he will continue to be number one.
fergus90
Senior Member
I think we need a controller type midfielder who can spray the ball from deep positions as well as short passes, someone like Kimmich who in this case is obviously very unrealistic, but someone with that similar play style. The orchestrator who can also get himself about the pitch.
It’s a profile we’ve lacked for a few years now.
It’s a profile we’ve lacked for a few years now.
khaled_a_d
Senior Member
Busquets tbf is that guy.
Problem is that he is a liability on defensive end and cannot play CM.
JamDav1982
Senior Member
Busquets is nowhere near that player.
Cant move quick enough to beat a press and tries to win a foul..slowing game down and opportunities to move ball forward. Doesnt doesnt have that range to pass ball early out wide the way a Scholes/Kimmich/Kroos type player can and takes far too many touches to slow game down when left in space too often.
He is good at small quick passes and has improved his range but not incisive or spreading ball early. Plays occassional good through ball if teams play high but again no huge threat from it often enough.
DonAK
President of FC Barcelona
Barca want to sign another CB and the CBs they're looking at are: Soyuncu, de Ligt, Laporte, Romanogli and Lisandro Martinez.
https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futb...9241/fc-barcelona-barca-fichajes-central.html
https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futb...9241/fc-barcelona-barca-fichajes-central.html
soul24rage
Senior Member
With Gini going to PSG, I would definitely go for L. Martinez as he can play both CB and CDM.
EDIT: Plus his supposedly 25 million price tag is not a huge hurdle for the club compared to other players. Would like De Ligt but he's super expensive with that Raiola tax.
EDIT: Plus his supposedly 25 million price tag is not a huge hurdle for the club compared to other players. Would like De Ligt but he's super expensive with that Raiola tax.
Last edited:
Barcilliant
Senior Member
I would get Soyuncu. Fastest player in the epl and exactly the profile we need. Aggressive and uncompromising.
Would be hell to get him through.
Bobo32
Senior Member
More on Javi Galan:
Not sure that this is something you'd want, especially in those zones. Alba probably has a lot of take ons as well, but more in Bogas and Spinazzolas areas, he'd rather pass his way out from his own corner flag...
Saw the same kind of graphic for most progressive passes per zone in LL or something though, that was a nice picture as it went very well along with my taste for players. What's the site/feed behind this graphic?
Messi983
Senior Member
Since we don't have money to actually buy players I was thinking over the last few days about possible swaps including our rejects and possible targets at positions of need (LB, CB, DM/CM; I think if Depay is confirmed we're mostly done in attack; some players could leave but I don't see us signing another forward).
Most of the names were already linked to Barca but I'll add a few names I'd consider going for eventhough chances for getting them are very low.
1. GAYA - FIRPO + 5-8m
The most talked about swap and probably the most likely to happen. Gaya has stopped his renovations talks with Valencia (he's still under contract until 2023) and is waiting for Barca offer. Alba needs a serious competition and he's the most realistically available player who can provide that. Gaya is adapted to La Liga and entering his prime years so we could expect immediate impact from him. Firpo would have a chance to get regular minutes in Valencia and get his career back on the track.
Likelihood of the deal happening: 40%
Alternatives if the swap won't happen: sell Firpo to the EPL clubs for around 15m, add some money and still try to get Gaya. Maybe Gosens or Wijndal.
2. GAYA - ALENA + 10-12m
Explained above why we should sign Gaya. Alena is liked by Valencia's new coach Jose Bordalas and including him in a swap like this would probably maximize his value as I doubt we'd get much by just selling him alone. But I give this swap lesser chances to happen.
Likelihood: 20%
Alternatives: Sell Alena (and Firpo) for the best offer and invest that money into Gaya, Gosens or Wijndal.
3. LAPORTE - SERGI ROBERTO + 20-30m
Recent rumours about this possible swap. I have some concerns about Laporte's injuries but he'd be an upgrade over what we have and if we can also offload Roberto at the same time even better. With Koeman staying I just don't want him to even have a chance considering playing Roberto as a CB anymore, lol. But I think pulling off a deal like this will be incredible tough. If City would eventually decide to sell Laporte then they'd surely prefer money which they can invest into Kane or whoever they're targetting. We would also need to sell Dembele or Griezmann to actually have some money we could use to include in possible swap deals.
Likelihood: 5-10%
Alternatives: Find another CB target and just try to offload Roberto for whatever we can get.
4. F. RUIZ - UMTITI, FIRPO + 20m
Again recycling most recent media rumours. I've liked Fabian since his days at Betis but think he has stagnated at Napoli over the last two years. Wouldn't go crazy after him so above mentioned swap is probably the most I'd do to get him but it's almost impossible to happen. Fabian is apparently on Ancelotti's wishlist as well and RM has more money and players they could use to convince Napoli if they would sell.
Likelihood: close to 0%
Alternatives: I'll mention some other possible midfield targets below. Just get whatever we can for Firpo and find someone willing to pay part of Umtiti's wages to send him on loan.
5. KESSIE - FIRPO + 30m
Here is one name that wasn't linked to us but I hope is on our radar. Kessie would be perfect for our midfield imo and his contract is up next summer. Still, with Milan qualifying to the CL they'll do anything to keep Kessie. Fans love him and he could potentially become their new captain and if they'd sell Theo Hernandez for big money to PSG as rumoured then I don't see them selling another key player.
Likelihood: close to 0%
Alternatives: look for other midfielders, sell Firpo
6. PARTEY - COUTINHO +15-20m
I've not watched a lot of Arsenal games but from what I know Partey was quite irregular and also had some injuries. I have no idea if Arsenal would really give up on him so soon though. And well, Coutinho is not exactly a very desired player right now. Also have hard time seeing him join a club not playing in Europe and very unlikely Arsenal could afford (or would be willing to pay) his wages.
Likelihood: close to 0%
Alternatives:: probably loan for Coutinho to offload some of his wages
7. BENTANCUR - PJANIĆ
Not sure how to feel about this potential swap and if Juve would do it. I guess it depends on how much Allegri really wants Pjanić's return.
Likelihood: <5%
Alternatives: Pjanić on loan (with a buy option) to Juve
8. DE LIGT - DEMBELE/GRIEZMANN + PJANIĆ
Another almost impossible deal to happen but with Raiola involved I still think there are some low chances we could pull something off if De Ligt really wants to leave Juve. Don't think it would take a lot to convince Pjanić returning to Juve but would be tougher with Dembele or Griezmann. And obviously, convincing Juve would be the toughest task.
Likelihood: <5%
Alternatives:: find a cheaper CB, sell/loan Pjanić back to Juve, sell Dembele/Griezmann or lower their wages
9. SOYUNCU - COUTINHO + 40m
Soyuncu had injuries over the last two seasons and we're apparently looking for a left-footed CB so don't know if he's really on our shortlist. I'd still seriously consider him though. Coutinho could try to revive his career under Brendan Rodgers.
Likelihood: close to 0%
Alternatives:: find another CB, loan Coutinho
10. KOUNDE - LENGLET + 30m
I would walk to Barcelona and kiss Laporta's legs if he could pull this off. Sevilla will want only money for Kounde and we don't have any. Our only hope to get him is Sevilla keeping him for another season and our financial situation improve enough until next year we can get him then.
Likelihood: 0%
Alternatives:: find a cheaper CB option, probably keep Lenglet for another season
11. AOUAR - UMTITI + 25m
I like Aouar but he's not exactly the type of midfielder I think we should target right now. Still, if available for affordable price he could add a lot to the team. Realistically we'd probably have to pay Lyon more to just take Umtiti off our hands. And I don't see him being humble enough accepting a move back to his former team as he probably still thinks he's a top player deserving to play for Barca. Wages would also be problematic as usual when we try to offload players.
Likelihood: <5%
Alternatives: loan Umtiti
There are surely other possible swap deals I've missed and some of them could have potentially higher chances to go through but I think all things considered swapping players is just incredible tough for multiple reasons. And while I believe Alemany&Co. will consider doing swaps our most realistic chances to further improve the team is selling rejects for the most we can get (and also lowering pay roll) and then re-invest that money into players with realistically affordable prices like Gaya or. L. Martinez. I've also suggested Koopmeiners in another thread yesterday and think he could be a solid option to play both as a DM and LCB but don't know how much he'd cost.
Most of the names were already linked to Barca but I'll add a few names I'd consider going for eventhough chances for getting them are very low.
1. GAYA - FIRPO + 5-8m
The most talked about swap and probably the most likely to happen. Gaya has stopped his renovations talks with Valencia (he's still under contract until 2023) and is waiting for Barca offer. Alba needs a serious competition and he's the most realistically available player who can provide that. Gaya is adapted to La Liga and entering his prime years so we could expect immediate impact from him. Firpo would have a chance to get regular minutes in Valencia and get his career back on the track.
Likelihood of the deal happening: 40%
Alternatives if the swap won't happen: sell Firpo to the EPL clubs for around 15m, add some money and still try to get Gaya. Maybe Gosens or Wijndal.
2. GAYA - ALENA + 10-12m
Explained above why we should sign Gaya. Alena is liked by Valencia's new coach Jose Bordalas and including him in a swap like this would probably maximize his value as I doubt we'd get much by just selling him alone. But I give this swap lesser chances to happen.
Likelihood: 20%
Alternatives: Sell Alena (and Firpo) for the best offer and invest that money into Gaya, Gosens or Wijndal.
3. LAPORTE - SERGI ROBERTO + 20-30m
Recent rumours about this possible swap. I have some concerns about Laporte's injuries but he'd be an upgrade over what we have and if we can also offload Roberto at the same time even better. With Koeman staying I just don't want him to even have a chance considering playing Roberto as a CB anymore, lol. But I think pulling off a deal like this will be incredible tough. If City would eventually decide to sell Laporte then they'd surely prefer money which they can invest into Kane or whoever they're targetting. We would also need to sell Dembele or Griezmann to actually have some money we could use to include in possible swap deals.
Likelihood: 5-10%
Alternatives: Find another CB target and just try to offload Roberto for whatever we can get.
4. F. RUIZ - UMTITI, FIRPO + 20m
Again recycling most recent media rumours. I've liked Fabian since his days at Betis but think he has stagnated at Napoli over the last two years. Wouldn't go crazy after him so above mentioned swap is probably the most I'd do to get him but it's almost impossible to happen. Fabian is apparently on Ancelotti's wishlist as well and RM has more money and players they could use to convince Napoli if they would sell.
Likelihood: close to 0%
Alternatives: I'll mention some other possible midfield targets below. Just get whatever we can for Firpo and find someone willing to pay part of Umtiti's wages to send him on loan.
5. KESSIE - FIRPO + 30m
Here is one name that wasn't linked to us but I hope is on our radar. Kessie would be perfect for our midfield imo and his contract is up next summer. Still, with Milan qualifying to the CL they'll do anything to keep Kessie. Fans love him and he could potentially become their new captain and if they'd sell Theo Hernandez for big money to PSG as rumoured then I don't see them selling another key player.
Likelihood: close to 0%
Alternatives: look for other midfielders, sell Firpo
6. PARTEY - COUTINHO +15-20m
I've not watched a lot of Arsenal games but from what I know Partey was quite irregular and also had some injuries. I have no idea if Arsenal would really give up on him so soon though. And well, Coutinho is not exactly a very desired player right now. Also have hard time seeing him join a club not playing in Europe and very unlikely Arsenal could afford (or would be willing to pay) his wages.
Likelihood: close to 0%
Alternatives:: probably loan for Coutinho to offload some of his wages
7. BENTANCUR - PJANIĆ
Not sure how to feel about this potential swap and if Juve would do it. I guess it depends on how much Allegri really wants Pjanić's return.
Likelihood: <5%
Alternatives: Pjanić on loan (with a buy option) to Juve
8. DE LIGT - DEMBELE/GRIEZMANN + PJANIĆ
Another almost impossible deal to happen but with Raiola involved I still think there are some low chances we could pull something off if De Ligt really wants to leave Juve. Don't think it would take a lot to convince Pjanić returning to Juve but would be tougher with Dembele or Griezmann. And obviously, convincing Juve would be the toughest task.
Likelihood: <5%
Alternatives:: find a cheaper CB, sell/loan Pjanić back to Juve, sell Dembele/Griezmann or lower their wages
9. SOYUNCU - COUTINHO + 40m
Soyuncu had injuries over the last two seasons and we're apparently looking for a left-footed CB so don't know if he's really on our shortlist. I'd still seriously consider him though. Coutinho could try to revive his career under Brendan Rodgers.
Likelihood: close to 0%
Alternatives:: find another CB, loan Coutinho
10. KOUNDE - LENGLET + 30m
I would walk to Barcelona and kiss Laporta's legs if he could pull this off. Sevilla will want only money for Kounde and we don't have any. Our only hope to get him is Sevilla keeping him for another season and our financial situation improve enough until next year we can get him then.
Likelihood: 0%
Alternatives:: find a cheaper CB option, probably keep Lenglet for another season
11. AOUAR - UMTITI + 25m
I like Aouar but he's not exactly the type of midfielder I think we should target right now. Still, if available for affordable price he could add a lot to the team. Realistically we'd probably have to pay Lyon more to just take Umtiti off our hands. And I don't see him being humble enough accepting a move back to his former team as he probably still thinks he's a top player deserving to play for Barca. Wages would also be problematic as usual when we try to offload players.
Likelihood: <5%
Alternatives: loan Umtiti
There are surely other possible swap deals I've missed and some of them could have potentially higher chances to go through but I think all things considered swapping players is just incredible tough for multiple reasons. And while I believe Alemany&Co. will consider doing swaps our most realistic chances to further improve the team is selling rejects for the most we can get (and also lowering pay roll) and then re-invest that money into players with realistically affordable prices like Gaya or. L. Martinez. I've also suggested Koopmeiners in another thread yesterday and think he could be a solid option to play both as a DM and LCB but don't know how much he'd cost.
Messi983
Senior Member
I've read last week he has rejected Sevilla and is very close to Leeds. Don't know if he'll be a starter there (but usually Bielsa trust his guys and new signings have hard time get into the lineup) and he'll probably be paid more than he would at Sevilla. And for someone who'll turn 27 this year and has played most of his career in lower divisions money is probably most important factor so can't really blame him much. Even if he could play CL football with Sevilla which he'll probably never get at Leeds.
Now if Barca would seriously consider him (I don't think we are) and he'd come here as Alba's backup earning similar money he'll get elsewhere then he could choose us but not very likely.
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