After the rout of FC Barcelona in the Champions League on Chelsea’s pitch on Tuesday (3-0), the time has come for major maneuvers. It must be said that this new defeat for Barça in a high-stakes match – after those against Real Madrid (2-1), Sevilla FC (4-1) or even PSG (1-2) – explains the team’s many shortcomings.
The executives disappoint, both in attack and defense. This is evidenced by the silence of Robert Lewandowski this season or the expulsion of captain Ronald Araujo against the Blues. Change is therefore called for by Hansi Flick. And he should be listened to by his sports director Deco.
Indeed, Mundo Deportivo announces that the coach and the club have agreed on the positions to be reinforced next season. A left-handed central defender, a winger and a center forward are wanted. Some names were even revealed by the Catalan media.
The huge Harry Kane surprise?
In defense, a shortlist composed of Gonçalo Inacio (Sporting Portugal), Murillo (Nottingham Forest), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Luiz Benedetti (Palmeiras) as well as Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace) was established in order to strengthen a defense which has still not digested the departure of Inigo Martinez last summer to Al-Nassr.
In attack, Barça is targeting very heavyweights to replace Robert Lewandowski, the 38-year-old striker being at the end of his contract at the end of the season. Mundo Deportivo claims that the club would target Harry Kane. The Bayern Munich center forward has a release clause of 65 million euros. A less expensive option than those leading to Julian Alvarez or Erling Haaland. On the sides, Rafael Leao of AC Milan would be tracked if the option to purchase Marcus Rashford (30 million euros) were not to be exercised, or if Raphinha decided to leave for Saudi Arabia.
