Author of a rather animated transfer window, FC Barcelona is building a young and competitive group, enough to delight its German coach Hansi Flick. Liga winner last season, Barça continues to strengthen its workforce while retaining last year's foundations. After conquered the championship, the Blaugranas refused any form of self -sufficient. Where other champions disperse, they have chosen to solidify, especially in the offensive sector, where they had been impressive. The club was not content to accumulate recruits, but thought of how to fill the shortcomings of the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Hansi Flick, who arrived last summer, imposed a guideline: building a team capable of lasting and performing throughout the season. And if the failure against Inter Milan in the semi-final of the Champions League left a bitter taste, he also confirmed that this Barça was getting closer, more and more, of the European coronation. What has not happened since the 2015 season.
The setback of the Nico Williams file has in no way slowed down the merchant dynamics. Indeed, it was finally Marcus Rashford who landed from Manchester United to bring his depth and his offensive versatility. A major reinforcement, which will allow Flick to blow Lewandowski without weakening the attack line. For his part, Raphinha, impressive last season (34 goals and 22 assists in all competitions), should slip into the number 10 position to put his vision of the game at the service of the team. In this logic of the future, the recruitment of the young Scandinavian talent Roony Bardghji is also part of the club's new policy. It will start with the reserve, but in Barcelona, the border between young talents and the first team is fine. Yamal, Cubars, Casadó, Fermín Lopez or Pau Víctor are the brilliant evidence. The sports director of Barça, Deco, sees Neymar in Lamine Yamal, which therefore announces beautiful things to come in Catalonia: “At FC Barcelona, he will compete with Real Madrid for the championships for the next few years and he is in the best place to fight, in the best scenario. The start of the lamine is very similar to the beginnings of Neymar. Life helped him be mature as it is. Now, he has more responsibilities as a player, but he is also the age he is ”. A strong declaration by the former midfielder who proves that regardless of the age and experience of his players, the FCB believes in his chances for the coming seasons.
A structured workforce and a clear dynamic
The balance of the group is based in particular on a reinforced defense, however criticized last season. Indeed, with Araujo's great return, the explosion and confidence of Cubarsí, the regularity of Martínez, or the versatility of Christensen, capable of helping out in the middle, offer solid guarantees to Hansi Flick, he who was amputated from Araujo and Christensen last season. On the sides, Baldé has largely imposed himself on the left, while Koundé asserted himself on the right, he who is also capable of evolving in the axis. It is nevertheless in the midfield that Barça has the most certainties. Pedri and Gavi, finally freed from their physical concerns, find their influence. De Jong continues to dictate the tempo of the Barcelona game, and Dani Olmo, who arrived to bring creativity, already seems fully integrated. He scored 12 goals in 22 games for his first season in Catalonia. Under Hansi Flick, the roles are clear, the hierarchy is respected, and the competition well managed. For the moment, there have been no major starts, apart from Ansu Fati who joined ASM, enough to count on a solid base.
Especially since in front, the situation of Real Madrid appears much more vague. After a catastrophic season, Real Madrid announced the arrival of Xabi Alonso, which is not enough to stabilize a wardrobe in search of balance. The omnipresence of media around Mbappé, the questions about the role of Vinicius and the probable departure of Rodrygo, as well as the defensive uncertainties weigh on a project still in full reconstruction. Where Barcelona refines details, Real Madrid is still looking for its formula. But in liga, there is no time to adapt, in fact, each point counts in August, and this could quickly make the difference.
