Law. at 2:51 p.m.
IT IS
With Sergio Busquets and Pedri as undisputed starters, Xavi has several options to complete a medulla to compete for the top titles again.
De Jong’s future will mark everything, especially if the culé’s delicate economic situation makes it impossible to bet on Bernardo Silva
Closed the continuity of Ousmane Dembélé and the signing of Raphinhathe FCBarcelona has discussed in recent hours the dossier on the future of DeJong. The club informed the Dutch midfielder that he had to leave as soon as possible because his departure to Manchester United would mean a saving of more than 40 million euros in wages. The culled entity needs room for maneuver in financial “fair play” to be able to record both formalized incorporations and desired future ones, but this depends on the willingness of a Frenkie who does not give up his dream of succeeding with the Barça shirt.
The decision is purely economic. Xavi has said many times that if De Jong stays he will count on him. From a sporting point of view, it is obvious that, despite the ’21’ didn’t play as expected in his three seasons at Camp Nou, its hierarchy and quality are indisputable. Especially since, if he leaves, it will be difficult for someone to arrive to play his role. Bernardo Silva loves, and a lot, the Catalan clubbut at the moment the priority is to sign Robert Lewandowski and strengthen the defensive line with the arrivals of César Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso and a central defender, with Jules Koundé as the main name on the table.
What options will Xavi have to replace De Jong in the starting XI if the Dutchman leaves and Barca fail to sign a replacement? First of all, it is important to note that Sergio Busquets and Pedri are indisputable startersso there is only one midfield position left without an “owner”. Gavi there Frank Kessie these are the players most likely to occupy the remaining inner demarcation, but there are more possibilities.
Sergio Robertrecently renewed for one season, should also be an alternative, although he will only be able to play in his natural position if the culé team closes the template with two right-backs. At the moment, Xavi only has the emergency resource of Sergiño Dest and Ronald Araujo, since he doesn’t have Òscar Mingueza. Nico González, in principle, will stay to rest Sergio Busquets and try to become his generational replacement. In Olot, in the first match of the 2022/23 pre-season, the Galician was at a good level.
Younger alternatives
Precisely after the first meeting to prepare the route, another of the names that are in the cabals of the Barça coach is that of Paul Tower. The Cantabrian, with the ’16’ on its back, starred in a really exciting company presentation. From the club, however, tranquility is transmitted with the former Racing Santander player. It is insisted that he will be in the dynamic of the first team, but he will have a record of the subsidiary. Do not hurry. And, above all, don’t rush and make comparisons – always odious – with Pedri.
With Riqui Puig on the starting ramp, the last option is to Alex Collado. That of Sabadell will have a hard time having minutes at the end, as the competition with Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, Dembélé and Raphinha will be fierce. The canterano will have more opportunities in the middle of the field if Frenkie de Jong is transferred to United and the culé’s delicate economic situation makes it impossible to bet on Bernardo Silva.