With the World Cup starting from a few days from now, Barça’s post-season agenda has started off pretty well. With Samuel Umtiti being renewed till the 2022 season, the overall atmosphere of the club is somewhat pleasant. With the previous season’s transfer window being nothing short of turbulent, we are looking forward to something similar this window too. We will here analyze certain rumors and transfer talks which are being spread around in the media.
First, with the news, which seemed the most likely, which was Clement Lenglet’s move to Barcelona from Seville. He moved from Nancy to Sevilla on the 4th of January 2017 and fit right into Jorge Sampaoli’s squad. With an impressive passing accuracy of 85% and 2.5 tackles per game, he is one of the most impressive defensive prospects around. Seen as a long-term backup, he was ready to fit into Ernesto Valverde’s plans. But things were not going to be that easy. When his signing seemed most likely, Manchester United came up with a bid equaling Barça’s bid in pursuit of the defender. The deal is still on hold. His transfer market worth is around 35 million Euros.
Secondly, Antoine Griezmann rumored to be joining Barcelona. In his senior career, he has scored a staggering 164 goals with an average of 0.6 goals per game. He has been the talisman for the Rojiblancos for years now, with him being nominated for the Ballon D’Or once. His moving to the city seemed very likely for over a month now, sources are now saying that the French superstar will stay with the Colchoneros. His release clause from the 1st of July is 100 million euros.
Another name that is often linked with the club is Christian Eriksen. He is assumed to be the plan ‘B’, although they play in very different positions. The Dane has been a key player in Tottenham’s team sheet with 88 career goals and a passing accuracy of around 83%. He can add a lot to Barça’s midfield with is remarkable technique and his brilliance in taking set pieces. His market value is estimated around 50-80 million euros.
One more name which is being common linked to the club, is the Masia’s own Thiago Alcantara. He has been pretty impressive for Bayern over the years but the club isn’t happy with his recent performances. With a very impressive pass accuracy of 91% this season, he can fill the place of a much-needed controller in the midfield of the azulgrana. The problem here is that according to some sources Pep Segura is hesitant and would not sign the Spaniard. Alcantara’s future remains uncertain. His price is also unknown, with estimates ranging up to 90 million euros.
Prospects such as Arthur also maybe on their way to the club this summer. It is very unlikely that the Arthur deal fails. Also, there are some rumors of Messi’s fellow countryman Cristian Pavon maybe considering a move to the club. Rodrygo, also a South American playing for Santos in Brazil was rumored to join Barcelona but is very unlikely as Santos are don’t want to deal with the Club after the Neymar deal.
Barcelona fans may very well be in for a bit of a roller-coaster ride for the summer – and, as we discussed in The Barcelona Podcast 89, it looks like La Masia won’t be the answer to our problems either:
