Barcelona has kept themselves busy this January, with many big players joining, and some having left. Here’s a summary of Barcelona this season:
Spanish Maestro Ferran Torres
Barcelona were successful in bringing a quality forward to the Camp Nou. The former Man City forward has joined Barca on a five-year deal until 2027 and the club have set his buyout clause at €1billion.
The 21-year-old has only played two games for Barcelona, scoring a goal. He is a good addition to the squad. He is swift on the field and has some skills under his sleeves too.
If Barcelona were to sign their prime target for summer, Erling Haaland, he could have great link-up play with Ferran.
While his time at Manchester City, he registered 13 goals in 35 appearances. Although, one should note that he was their second choice winger. With the likes of Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez and Phil Foden preferred ahead of him, he had no choice but to leave City.
He could be the star at Barcelona, with Ansu Fati and Memphis Depay to support.
The Beastly Transfer of Adama Traore
Ayer en Barcelona…
Revisión médica ✅ pic.twitter.com/ACYDO51ljw
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) January 29, 2022
Spain international Adama Traore will return to his childhood club after signing from Wolves on loan. Barcelona picked him up on loan with an option to buy him permanently. Till then, the Catalan giants would be liable for his wages.
Barcelona’s suddenly good financial situation, meant that they had to look for market opportunities. Traore was one, given he was not performing well and missing out on playing minutes at Wolves.
Traore’s return could be significant for Barcelona, considering their elite status in Spain and Europe is no more maintained. With the news of Dembele also leaving, this transfer provides Xavi with an immediate replacement.
One of Xavi’s important tactics is hard pressing the opposition high up the pitch after losing possession of the ball, but if the team has not been able to move as a whole with Traore, then that becomes a lot harder.
Xavi will have to coach him to use his runs forward at the right moments, and also work on using his body, something like how Romelu Lukaku uses his big unit.
Dembele Departure?
Ousmane Dembele is an excess to requirements at Barcelona with La Liga club telling the French individual he should start looking at suitable alternatives, in spite of the player’s desire to remain at the Nou Camp.
A problem caused here could be, because of Ousmane’s high expectation of wages at Barcelona. It was rumoured that he demanded an exorbitant wage of 700k-per-week.
Dembele has been told he will not play another game if he does not sign the terms on offer with a low wage and he has missed the last two matchday squads. However, Xavi is said to be ready to use him if he remains at the club.
With the arrival of Traore, Barcelona can afford to keep the French international out of the pitch.
Dembele is rumoured to be linked with several clubs in the Premier League, such as Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs were also interested in Adama, but Barcelona were able to hijack him last minute. If Ousmane is to leave Barcelona, he must hurry as the January window is almost at its end.
