Fourth in La Liga and still in the race on the European scene where they will find the Turks of Galatasaray in the round of 16 second leg of the Europa League on March 17, Xavi’s Blaugranas are clearly back in the fore. With its new recruits – Adama Traoré, Ferran Torres or even Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – Barça does not intend to stop there and is already preparing for the summer transfer window. In the line of sight, an important construction site for its defense.
Undefeated since December 4 in the league and a narrow defeat (0-1) against Betis, FC Barcelona continues to correct the situation under the leadership of Xavi. Now in fourth place in La Liga with three small lengths behind Atlético de Madrid but two games behind, Barça can therefore legitimately claim to end the season on the podium, despite a start to the year more than mixed. Much more attractive in the game and with its new recruits (Adama Traoré, Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang), the FCB also remains in the race to join the quarter-finals of the Europa League. A certain revival which does not prevent Catalan leaders from preparing for the future.
With this in mind, if the Culés board, determined to offer Erling Haaland, has already targeted potential B plans in the event of failure in the Norwegian’s file, a reflection is also underway for the Catalan defense. And for good reason. From the next summer window, Barca plan to bring in two defenders (in addition to a midfielder and a striker). With this in mind, the formalization of the arrival of Andreas Christensen from Chelsea should not delay any longer, but the Culés also want to get their hands on a side, especially at a time when Jordi Alba represents the only real guarantee in the left lane. A lack in this position which does not, however, prevent the Catalan leaders from also looking for the right side.
Barça multiplies the tracks for its side!
With Dani Alves, right side, the Culés have a major asset but the Brazilian (38 years old) remains aging and no one can predict the face displayed by the Barcelonan in the months to come. On the other side, Jordi Alba remains essential. But it is after that the shoe pinches. Versatile, of course, Dest can troubleshoot in both corridors but he cannot be considered as a definitive solution at the management level. What’s more at a time when Sergi Roberto is more than ever on the start and where Oscar Mingueza, central defender, does not display the guarantees necessary to be considered as a serious alternative in the Barcelona corridor. So many uncertainties which therefore push the Catalan leaders to target many players, in these positions, to plug a certain fragility.
With this in mind, Barça is particularly interested in Noussair Mazraoui (24), right side of Ajax at the end of the contract next June. But that’s not all since César Azpilicueta (32) also remains in the small Catalan papers. A file which is proving complex for the time being in view of the current crisis experienced by Chelsea. For the left side, three names stand out. If José Gayà (26 years old), currently in the colors of Valencia, remains the priority target of the club, the Culés are also attentive to the situation of Alejandro Grimaldo (26 years old), side of Benfica also tracked by Juve. Finally, Nicolás Tagliafico (29) also appears to be one of Barça’s first options. It now remains to be seen who, of all these names, will really land in Catalonia to come and reinforce a defensive sector, promised anyway to a major overhaul.
