Barcelona – Analyzing the 2017-18 Transfer Window
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One of the European sides which has been in the news for most part of the summer window has been Barcelona. The La Liga giants parted ways with their star winger, Neymar Jr. but did receive a world record fee of £199.8 million for the Brazilian forward in the process.
Even though Barca managed to bring in hugely talented players into the team, the supporters had expectations of players, better in stature and ability in mind but the board failed to deliver this summer. The likes of Philippe Coutinho, Paulo Dybala, Angel Di Maria, Jean Michael Seri, Riyad Mahrez and Marco Verratti were being linked heavily with the Catalans but Barcelona failed to capitalize on that and have arguably ended up with a weaker squad than they were last season.
The Arrivals
The biggest addition to the squad is that of Borussia Dortmund’s winger, Ousmane Dembele. The French man was bought for a fee of £94.5 million which is the joint second highest transfer fee on par with Paul Pogba. Gerard Deulofeu was called back from Everton for the left wing spot as the buyback clause inserted in the deal when he was sold allowed them to purchase him for just £10.8 million.
At the right back position, Barca have strengthened themselves after attracting Nelson Semedo to the club but the failure to land a world class central midfielder such as PSG’s Marco Verratti has left everyone frustrated. Instead, Paulinho was brought in from the Chinese Super League for £36 million.
The Exits
One of the biggest transfer sagas of this season and the years to come culminated in a huge loss for the team as they lost Neymar Jr. to French giants, Paris St. Germain. Even though PSG will be paying a world record fee, to lose a player of his caliber will be tough to replace. Other major departures from the club include that of Cristian Tello’s to Real Betis for £3.6 million.
With the pressure mounting on the Barcelona board as well as the president, they will require the team’s support and hope for their success on the pitch. The Catalan faithful would only be satisfied with a Champions League or a La Liga title this season otherwise it could go downhill for the club. The arrival of the sensational Dembele is an example of the great vision reflected by the board but unless the team performs, the talent will be of no use.
Potential Starting Eleven
Formation 1
Formation 2
