what would be the point in that? He's pretty much just had the best season of his career at club level and a great EURO...his stock might never be higher again, and there's no guarantee Barca (or any other big club for that matter) will ever come back for him. A lot can happen in a year.If he extends and raises the clause, he clearly doesn't wanna leave Bilboa, I doubt they will happen, if he stays, it's most likely going to be for 1 more season.
what would be the point in that? He's pretty much just had the best season of his career at club level and a great EURO...his stock might never be higher again, and there's no guarantee Barca (or any other big club for that matter) will ever come back for him. A lot can happen in a year.
Unless he really wants them huge wages and that PL move, but then what about all the reports suggesting he'd rather at least still stay in Spain, if he was to leave Bilbao? And in Spain, Barca is basically his only upgrade, with Madrid being stacked in his position. Maybe he does want to go abroad just so he wouldn't play against Bilbao (that often).
Fair enough. I see your point of view anyway. But I think he's better than you claim. Just a difference of opinion.That was also my point. Not worth spending those amounts on a player that gets you nowhere. I don't even know about his injury record, just judging him on what I saw over the years since he's been linked to Barca.
But if you're glad about building a squad of players that challenge for the EL, party away.
Good post. Agree. It's often better to get an inferior player (as long as he's still good) but one who suits your particular team and what you are trying to do.It's more a question of profiles rather than of quality. We need a winger who can give the team width and 1v1s and Nico even if flawed does that very well.
Things clicked better with Dembele for that reason. Even though he isn't an amazing player he had specific qualities that helped that team's dynamics like the fact he was the only player with strong 1v1 abilities and true pace.
You need those players to push back the other team's defensive line and to create space for your team.
Whilst it doesn't have to be Nico and I agree Nico is not world-class either he would still help the team significantly for those reasons. We need that type of winger.
So what?! I aint getting millions to act like a footballer. Can't express my opinion on a football forum?
Mate, that retarded excuse of me wanting current Barca to fail so as not to tarnish/diminish Messi's legacy is so overdone that it's not even funny anymore. Those teams were on another stratosphere to all current football played, let alone current Barca. And that's the case even without Messi prime.
I haven't ripped into Yamal, dunno why you're spreading lies. Same with Cubarsi, haven't seriously posted about him, he's an unknown quantity for me.
Who would I buy is irrelevant. But for the sake of arguing, I certainly wouldn't buy Olmo. Nico yes, because he is there for the taking, but again Barca is lacking scouting. Everyone and their dog knows that France is the biggest talent pool in Europe and we haven't tried for a single player from that league. We just chase unknown Brazilians that look shite on YouTube and Pep's leftovers or former academy players.
Balde and Fermin are weak links. Those two should not be starters at Barca. Gundogan and Lewa are going down hill, fast.Generally, members on forums are more valued if they offer solutions, not just pick out problems. It's really not that difficult.
I would buy Nico, even though I would have hoped we could get better, his pace on the left wing will be a game changer. If Dembele could be as effective as he was with his pace, Nico, who is infinitely better, could turn in to a big asset for the team. At 58m, I also see very little to no chance that his value drops, even if he flops here, so we have the buffer to know the investment is safe. One bad season here and EPL clubs will still come knocking around the 50m mark.
I'd give Atalanta 50m for Jose Ederson as our new DM. I wanted Palhinha, but he is gone.
I'd give Cancelo another year on loan. He wasn't as bad as people make out, albeit defensively he is a concern. But he is versatile, and as good in attack as any full back around. However, I'd play him on the right, as he is a better right back than left back and think he will excel combining with Lamine down that side.
Ron, FDJ, Pedri are injured, so I would start the season.
Mats
Cancelo, Kounde, Christensen, Blade
Gundo. Ederson. Fermin
Lamine. Lewa. Nico
That team there does well with Cubarsi, Fort, Faye, Gavi, Frenk, Araujo, Pedri all to come back in as well. If, as I suspect, Madrid's Galactico policy ends up contributing to their self destruction, then I would say we have a fair chance of winning the league
The biggest weakness is the centre forward, but again there is nobody worth buying to replace Lewa right now. I would have taken a 20m punt on Mikautadze but he has gone to Lyon now