So here we are at the end of another summer transfer window, and one in which Barcelona were quite active throughout.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Casado and Ronald Araujo were sent out on loan, Robert Lewandowski left on a free transfer, and the club received money for several other players, most notably Ferran Torres.
Eight new signings included Rodri, Anthony Gordon, Karim Adeyemi, Joao Cancelo and Gabriel Jesus, with the former Manchester City idol settling in well, and ex-Newcastle star Gordon already
a fan favourite amongst culers at Camp Nou.
Much of the chatter will still surround the extensive chase for Julian Alvarez, which ultimately ended in disappointment, and whilst that’s regrettable for the player in particular, given how he’s been received by Atletico Madrid’s supporters since asking for a transfer, it’s long been known that Los Rojiblancos would refuse to sell to the Catalans, so it’s time everyone moved on.
Perhaps the real issue, and it’s one that’s gone relatively unnoticed to this point because of all the Alvarez hoo-ha, is the lack of defensive reinforcements in the centre-back area.
Once it was clear that our big Uruguayan was on his way to Anfield, it should’ve been a priority for Deco to sign an experienced central defender in his stead.
It’s accepted that, at present, Hansi Flick can call upon the services of Andreas Christensen, Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi, and can even rotate with Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde if required.
However, if any one of those were to succumb to a semi-serious injury, it would leave Barca light in that department.
An area of the pitch where you need a specialist, let’s not forget. A player that can see the game opening up before him, and who has the wherewithal to pick the right option 95% of the time.
A player who can instruct and command from his viewpoint, who can bring the ball out with ease and who is dominant aerially.
Perhaps most importantly, a player who would be comfortable playing the high-risk, high-reward defensive line up near halfway.
Whilst those types of players aren’t ten a penny, and those that would be worthy of wearing the Barca shirt obviously wouldn’t come cheap, isn’t it about time for Deco, Laporta and Co. to have their minds focused on an area where the Catalans have struggled of late?
After all, since Hansi Flick took over, the team has never struggled to score goals, which makes the need for an Araujo replacement even more acute.
With no new faces until at least January, it’s now time to see how Flick’s latest team fares as his revamped Barca go in search of silverware yet again.
