FC Barcelona missed the most important week of its season. A week ago, the Culés were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. On Sunday, they lost in the Clasico against Real Madrid and certainly said goodbye to the title of champion of Spain. Despite the numerous disappointments and controversies linked to the arbitration, the residents of the Montjuïc Olympic stadium must move forward and prepare for what comes next. It will be with or without Xavi, we don’t know yet. The Spaniard, who announced his departure last January, would have changed his mind. But his case divides within the Catalan management. President Joan Laporta and the board want to continue with him.
For his part, Deco, the sports director, campaigns for Rafa Marquez. A path considered risky by Laporta, who prefers to rely on an external coach if Xavi were to leave. As far as the players are concerned, there too, there may be movement. Long considered untransferable, Ronald Araujo, who is talking about extension, could be sacrificed if an offer of 80 million euros or more arrives. Bayern Munich is in the running. This will be one of the major issues of the next transfer window. But not the only one. Indeed, the Barcelonans will look into the cases of players recruited during the 2023 summer transfer window. And several of them disappointed.
Recruits who do not meet expectations
Of the 6 elements who arrived, only İlkay Gündoğan is favored by the culé club. As a starter, the German is guaranteed to still be there next season. He was able to convince everyone. For the rest, the debates are open. This is the case of João Cancelo. Like “Gundo”, he arrived from Manchester City. Except he was loaned out. Convincing at the start, the Portuguese lost a little credit. Elimination against Paris Saint-Germain could cost him his place. Indeed, A.S. explains that his mistake on Ousmane Dembélé’s penalty was not very well received internally. Same thing regarding his performance against Real Madrid during the Clasico on Sunday.
For all these reasons, but also because he has not completely got everyone in agreement, the Culés are not yet sure of continuing with him. His experience and versatility are highly appreciated assets. For the moment, the Catalans have not yet decided. If Manchester City does not prove too greedy financially, they will discuss to try to keep him. If not, they will look elsewhere. Recently, Relevo indicated that the Skyblues want to recover between 40 and 50 million euros and are counting on the English market. For his part, the Portuguese wants to stay at Barça, who thought he would pay 30 million euros. His compatriot João Félix did not impress so much Mundo Deportivo.
An uncertain future
Loaned with an option to purchase by Atlético de Madrid, he nevertheless has honorable statistics (10 goals, 6 assists). But he is a substitute, ahead of elements like Raphinha or even Lamine Yamal. If Joan Laporta has been confident about his future, nothing has been done yet. Especially since he hadn’t necessarily signed to be a replacement. Mundo Deportivo also wonders about the cases of Vitor Roque, who arrived this winter. The Brazilian hardly played and was not used in important matches. Xavi has often spoken of a lack of adaptation and a question of time. A loan could be a good solution to gain playing time and experience.
For the moment, this is not necessarily considered. But Barça, who is not really impressed, like the player, will have to make the right choices. Like him, Iñigo Martinez and Oriol Romeu are in management’s sights. The first city should have more weight and responsibilities. But he is now ahead of Pau Cubarsí. For the second city, it gradually disappeared from the radar. Several La Liga teams, including Girona, but also Besiktas in Türkiye are on the hunt to recover him. These five recruits can therefore be worried since according to MD, FC Barcelona is clearly not satisfied for different reasons. The transfer window could well change things for several of them.
