Opinion

A Pivotal Week for FC Barcelona

Barcelona's stadium, the Camp Nou, in October 2019 / OMAR HAWWASH/BLAUGRANAGRAM
Barcelona’s stadium, the Camp Nou, in October 2019 / OMAR HAWWASH/BLAUGRANAGRAM

FC Barcelona is going to define the situation of eight of its players this week. It is the second week of training for the upcoming new season. The club is waiting to finalize some new signings, with the priority for this window being a striker, either Lautaro Martínez or Memphis Depay being the most likely arrivals in that position. A central midfielder, a full back and the sales of players who do not fit into Ronald Koeman’s plans are the other objectives of the window according to Mundo Deportivo.

Luis Suárez is waiting to pass an exam at the Italian Consulate in Barcelona to obtain an Italian passport. He already has agreed personal terms with Juventus, he’s yet to reach an agreement Barça. A solution that suits all parties is expected to be found this week.

Arturo Vidal meanwhile is very close to joining Inter Milan. Reports that originate from Italy suggest that the Chilean could fly to Milan to sign a contract with the Nerazzurri and link up with Antonio Conte once again. Should be completed by the end of the week.

Samuel Umtiti represents one of the most difficult transfer headaches that Barça have to find a solution to. The French center back has been plagued, and subsequently waylaid by injuries for the better part of the last two years. He has suitors, but no one wants to take on his wages. A feasible option would be a loan with a purchase option but that may transcend this week.

Jean-Clair Todibo has quite a number of suitors. The price Barça put on his acquisition has been a deterrent for those prospective suitors. His departure is not a certainty and he could stay if Eric García doesn’t come in this summer and also provided Ronald Koeman deems him to be a useful member of his squad.

Rafinha will be allowed to leave the club if any buyers can fork up the 16 million euros Barça are demanding. His departure from the club has apparently been attenuated in the present time, seeing as none of his many suitors want to pay that amount, bearing in mind that they can negotiate with him beginning from January 1 as a result of his expiring contract. It would be a pivotal week for both parties.

Moussa Wagué could be going out on another loan spell before the end of the transfer window because there is no club willing to pay the amount Barça is demanding for the Senegalese. The picture should be clearer at the end of the week.

Juan Miranda will be waiting to know his status with Barça. The club, in principle want to a permanent sale and not another loan for the youngster.

Carlès Aleñá intends to fight to the maximum to stay at Barça this season, the club hierarchy counts on him but the final decision rests in Ronald Koeman’s hands.


Oriol Busquets hopes to convince Ronald Koeman that he can have a place in the Barça squad this season and in the here and now, nothing is ruled out.

It promises to be an interesting week with regards to transfer developments, keep a close eye on our website for all these developments as they happen.