For the moment, FC Barcelona is making very few waves in this summer transfer window. While the Catalan leaders have managed to lure Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu to bolster their midfield at a lower cost, the Catalans haven’t broken the bank this summer despite the costly arrival of Vitor Roque who will only be effective from of this winter according to Xavi this Saturday. Spanish champion last season, Barça wants to continue its virtuous momentum initiated by the Laporta-Xavi tandem and intends to rely on its spine despite the departure of legend Sergio Busquets.
However, the departure of an important holder in the eyes of the Catalan technician could force the culé club to accelerate at the end of the transfer window. Indeed, with the sale, formalized this Saturday, of Ousmane Dembélé in Paris, part of Xavi’s plans are falling apart. Present at a press conference this Saturday on the eve of facing Getafe at the start of the 2023-2024 La Liga season, the former midfielder did not manage to hide his frustration following the departure of “Dembouz”: “He was a good boy, he helped us, we gave him affection and importance. It was a big disappointment that he decided to leave. It was disappointing, but he chose another project. I wish him good luck.»
Xavi remains evasive on Neymar and Ansu Fati
In order to replace the former Dortmund and Rennes, the Catalan leaders see things big and a return of Neymar, more in the odor of sanctity at PSG, has returned to the fore. At the heart of rather eccentric rumors about a return to Catalan lands in recent years, the Brazilian attacking midfielder could see this idea come to life in the coming weeks. Asked about a return to Camp Nou from his former teammate, Xavi, reluctant to face this possibility according to the Spanish press, did not want to get wet: “Tomorrow is Getafe. I can’t say names. There is a market until the 31st. I can’t say anything else.»
Facing the Madrid club, Xavi will be able to count on Ansu Fati, yet in the hot seat at the start of the transfer window. Also questioned about his case, the 43-year-old technician did not close any doors but clarified that he was still counting on him for the next few weeks: “I don’t understand when you say I’m not very energetic, until the market is on… I’m happy with him, he’s part of the club’s heritage. I don’t know how to say it. The market will tell, there is until August 31. I can’t say he’s going to stay because he may not stay. But I’m happy with him, he’s a player of the present and the future.“You will have understood it, the end of the transfer window promises to be hot on the side of Barcelona…
