Barca Transfers and Rumors

[Zidane82]

Great news! Even though he'd be useful for a couple of years, I was never really that invested in us getting either Azpi or Alonso (hopefully we don't get the latter either, although I suspect we unfortunately will, especially after Chelsea signed Cucu). We can actually go out and sign a proper RB for the now and for the future (not a stop gap, which is all that Azpi was anyway), either this or next summer. Same goes for LB. Considering both Araujo and Kounde can play there, we can postpone the RB chase until next summer, and just give Dest one last chance this season. And honestly after that preseason, I'd do the same at LB and just give Balde a real shot as Alba's understudy this season. And there's always the option of going 3 atb, which I suspect Xavi will use quite often this season.

We don't need stop gaps, we need proper long term starting full backs, and with the cover that we still have for now, plus the fact we've already spent so much this summer, it might be better to just wait for next summer and see what's out there then, if we decide to sell Dest, while Balde can stay either way. So a new RB, LB, CDM and possibly a new GK next summer. While on the wings and on CB, hopefully we're covered for at least 5 years after this summer.

Roberto and Alba hopefully both gone next summer along with Busquets and Pique (and possibly Ter Stegen as well).

He is such a good leader though .. and so experienced

 

[Messi983]

Tru.

Main reason I wanted him.

 

[Joan]

You are wrong on this gregorrin. We aren't signing a starting Rb this summer. Especially one that is young. Because the market is terrible for it, and because of the price we would need to pay. Azpi was a perfect solution. Solid Rb for the upcoming season, two if lucky. One that would perma bench Dest as soon as he set foot in the club. If nothing changes (and it doesn't look like it) we are stuck with Dest, Roberto, and Araujo / Kounde. Neither option can be trusted fully and some are just wasted potential. Roberto is a has been and Dest is just a bum. Xavi doesn't rate him either, that's why he requested Alves and Azpi in front of him. Araujo / Kounde is a waste. With no wingbacks, the only version of 3 at the back we might play is a hybrid seen against Real. 433 with Araujo switching positions.

We need stop gaps. We are not a team in slow rebuild that can take chances with youngsters who have failed at their designated roles before. We are a team that took a huge risk and has massive expectations in front. Choosing to pass on Azpi would've been a big mistake. Our hands are probably tied now and we'll have to deal with a glaring weakness our Rb spot is.

Regarding Balde, the sample is too small. Better for him to leave on loan and get serious minutes that waste his time warming the bench. We should be able to find a backup Lb. The market is better in that regard.

 

[Givenchy]

No point spending big on a RB in this mediocre market, I agree with that but surely there are other experienced RBs out there who can come as a stop gap for cheap. Despite a great window thus far, Bob/Dest as our RB options will really undermine that.

 

[gregorrin10]

You are wrong on this gregorrin. We aren't signing a starting Rb this summer. Especially one that is young. Because the market is terrible for it, and because of the price we would need to pay. Azpi was a perfect solution. Solid Rb for the upcoming season, two if lucky. One that would perma bench Dest as soon as he set foot in the club. If nothing changes (and it doesn't look like it) we are stuck with Dest, Roberto, and Araujo / Kounde. Neither option can be trusted fully and some are just wasted potential. Roberto is a has been and Dest is just a bum. Xavi doesn't rate him either, that's why he requested Alves and Azpi in front of him. Araujo / Kounde is a waste. With no wingbacks, the only version of 3 at the back we might play is a hybrid seen against Real. 433 with Araujo switching positions.

We need stop gaps. We are not a team in slow rebuild that can take chances with youngsters who have failed at their designated roles before. We are a team that took a huge risk and has massive expectations in front. Choosing to pass on Azpi would've been a big mistake. Our hands are probably tied now and we'll have to deal with a glaring weakness our Rb spot is.

Regarding Balde, the sample is too small. Better for him to leave on loan and get serious minutes that waste his time warming the bench. We should be able to find a backup Lb. The market is better in that regard.

Like I said, it doesn't need to be this summer, cause the market for RB really isn't good right now. That's why I'm perfectly happy to wait and ride this season out with what we have, in the process give Dest one last chance (if he can stay fit and focused, he can be an asset to this team, he impressed Xavi a lot in those 2 months last season, no reason he can't do it again) and then buy a proper RB next summer, when the market will probably be better.

If not a world class option, maybe just take a chance on someone like Arnau Martinez. We could actually do that this summer already, but I personally I would like to see him spend one more season at Girona, especially to see how he will fare in La Liga. Plus I do believe we can ride this season out with what we have, especially if Xavi decides to play 3 at the back often, which I think he just might. All new transfers seem to suit that kind of formation more, one way or the other.

 

[khaled_a_d]

If we have signed Azpilicueta we would have sold Dest bext year and bought someone else. Now we might have to pick Roberto option to give some continuity to the position

 

[MTL_Barca]

I don't know if i can take seeing Roberto play RB again.

 

[Andresito]

Relax guys, Meunier is coming

 

[JohnN]

It's a cursed position, no good options available. Sergi Roberto might feature regularly I fear but he has lost his engine.

 

[El Gato]

Cucurella officially third most expensive Spaniard ever behind Kepa and Rodri

Bonkers

 

[Zidane82]

Cucurella officially third most expensive Spaniard ever behind Kepa and Rodri

Bonkers

That?s nothing .. Chelsea look ready to blow 85 million pounds / 100 million Euros on a relatively unproven CB Wesley Fofana !!

A world record for a defender apparently ...not my stats

 

[Raketa10]

After Cucu signed for Chelsea it looks like we will sign Marcos Alonso. He would be a good backup for Alba. However, if this happens Balde needs to go out on a loan in order to develop properly.

 

[vuji_31]

In time of biggest crisis we are paying this fraud while we have Balde at LB.

I hope so he goes to loan somewhere so in next year or two he is back here.

 

[Givenchy]

That?s nothing .. Chelsea look ready to blow 85 million pounds / 100 million Euros on a relatively unproven CB Wesley Fofana !!

A world record for a defender apparently ...not my stats

Fofana is the real deal apparently, it's all relative, look at how much Maguire went for as an example. PL is in it's own financial bubble and the rest of Europe would be wise to steer clear of it unless selling to those idiots.

 

[Zidane82]

Fofana is the real deal apparently, it's all relative, look at how much Maguire went for as an example. PL is in it's own financial bubble and the rest of Europe would be wise to steer clear of it unless selling to those idiots.

Who has seen him play ? 100 million ffs