Just a few weeks ago, everything seemed to be going well for Barcelona. The team led by Xavi Hernandez was keeping pace in La Liga, and had a successful European campaign after two successive failures in the Champions League last seasons. But now the Blaugranas have had several bad results in a row, which notably made them lose their way to the top of the table in La Liga. The Barcelonans are now seven points behind Real Madrid in the Iberian championship standings, and could find themselves nine points behind Girona if the Catalan neighbor wins against Alavés this Monday.
Beyond the results and these three matches in a row without winning, FC Barcelona is also worried because of the content proposed in the matches, considered insufficient by many observers and supporters. The shield that seemed to protect Xavi from criticism has also been pierced, and the former midfielder is starting to be expensive, in the media and on social networks. If everything indicated that the transfer market was going to be quite calm in Catalan lands, with Vitor Roque as the only new face, things could change.
A surrealist jackpot
The club will still have to deal with a very delicate financial situation if it wishes to bring in new faces, while Xavi notably hopes to be able to afford a new midfielder, Gio Lo Celso from Tottenham being the favorite. Several players could therefore be sold, and the latest information published in Catalonia risks making more than one smile. As explained Sport, Raphinha is one of the favorites to be sold and replenish the coffers. Author of 2 goals and 4 assists in 13 appearances in La Liga, the Brazilian has two possible destinations as indicated by the media: Saudi Arabia, or England, with Manchester United as the main interested party.
And, hang on, its price has been set at… 100 million euros. Yes, you read correctly. A price to say the least disproportionate for the one who had cost around 60 million euros in the summer of 2022, and who has not really increased in value on the Barcelona side. The Catalan press has also explained in recent days that the club is demanding 15 million euros for Eric Garcia, the defender currently on loan to Girona. A sale could be made this winter, especially since the revelation club of the season is particularly satisfied with the performances of the former Manchester City player. Case(s) to be continued…
