Transfer Blueprint: Retain or Offload #002: Barcelona
Barcelona's Last Lever: Offloading Stars to Salvage the Club
In our second installment of strategic football analysis, we shift our focus to Barcelona, a club navigating tumultuous financial waters. If you missed our debut article where we dissected Manchester United's roster, you can catch up here.
As the curtain falls on another season, Barcelona finds itself in an unfamiliar position: trophyless and grappling with uncertainty. After clinching the La Liga title last season, hopes were high for a successful defense of their crown. However, this campaign has been fraught with challenges, leaving the club languishing in the shadows of its former glory. Despite managing to secure a second-place finish in the league, the sense of underachievement remains palpable.
The managerial cloud has been a testament to Barcelona's instability. Xavi's abrupt announcement in January that he would depart at season's end, following yet another disappointing loss, sent shockwaves through the Camp Nou faithful. However, in a dramatic twist, the decision was reversed in April, adding further intrigue to the club's narrative. Recent rumors suggest that the club is once again unhappy with Xavi, and his future remains uncertain, with talks of a possible sacking circulating.
On the field, the struggles have been evident. Star striker Robert Lewandowski, whose goals were pivotal to last season's success, has endured a season marked by inconsistency and a lack of form. Meanwhile, promising young talents such as Pedri and Gavi have been hampered by injuries, depriving the team of their creative spark when needed most.
As Barcelona confronts a summer of soul-searching and rebuilding, the pressing question looms: which players should they retain to spearhead their resurgence, and which should they offload in pursuit of a brighter future? Join us as we delve into the intricacies of Barcelona's roster and explore the pathways forward for the storied Catalan club.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen - Retain
Ter Stegen's back injury sidelined him for three months this season, and his absence was keenly felt. Despite this setback, he remains one of the world's top goalkeepers and has a contract with Barcelona until 2028.
Inaki Pena - Retain
He did a decent job subbing in while ter Stegen was injured. There probably won’t be much of a market to move him, and they don’t want to be spending money on a backup keeper anyway.
Ronald Araujo - Retain
Araujo is Barcelona’s best defender. Despite being linked with a move away to raise funds for the club, letting him go would be a significant mistake. His defensive prowess is crucial for the team's stability.
Jules Kounde - Retain
Kounde began the season strongly, partnering Araujo at center back before being shifted to right back following Balde’s injury. His versatility and status as the team's second-best defender make him indispensable. Barcelona should definitely keep him.
Alejandro Balde - Retain
Balde started the season impressively but has been sidelined since the beginning of the year. As a La Masia graduate and just 20 years old, he has the potential to be Barcelona’s left-back for the next decade.
Andreas Christensen - Offload
Christensen joined as a free agent last season and has played a decent number of games, even filling in as a defensive midfielder recently. However, he lacks the necessary quality to remain at Barcelona long-term. It's time to let move him on.
Joao Cancelo - Offload (loan expire)
Cancelo is one of the most creative full-backs in the world and can play on either side. However, his defensive deficiencies have been exposed, notably in crucial games against PSG and Madrid. Given the club's financial constraints, renewing his loan or making the move permanent is not advisable.
Pau Cubarsi - Retain
At just 17 years old, Cubarsi, a La Masia graduate, has signed a deal keeping him at the club until 2027. While his inexperience shows, he has the potential to develop into a great defender for Barcelona.
Hector Fort - Retain
Another 17-year-old La Masia graduate, Fort has not had as much game time as Cubarsi but has shown promise in his limited appearances. He is another young talent worth keeping and developing.
Inigo Martinez - Retain
Signed on a free transfer this season, Martinez has proven valuable for Barcelona. His experience will be beneficial to this young team
Marcos Alonso - Offload (out of contract)
With his contract running out and at 33 years old, Alonso no longer possesses the quality necessary for top-level football. It’s time for Barcelona to move on from him.
Gavi - Retain
Gavi has been sidelined since November, and his absence has been sorely felt. Despite being just 19 years old, his incredible spirit and fighting desire are rare. Rumors about a move to PSG to raise funds have circulated, but letting him go would be a monumental mistake.
Pedri - Retain
Last season’s breakout star has struggled with fitness and form this season. However, at just 21 years old, Pedri remains a crucial young talent that Barcelona should build around.
Frenkie de Jong - Retain
De Jong is likely to be the subject of transfer rumors again, but despite struggling with injuries this season, he is vital for Barcelona. The de Jong-Pedri-Gavi midfield trio should be the cornerstone of the team's strategy for next season.
Ilkay Gundogan - Retain
Gundogan joined as a free agent this season and played almost every game, exceeding expectations with his impact. A dedicated and decorated player, he excels in key moments. While some of his candid interviews have been controversial, his experience is invaluable for this young team.
Fermin Lopez - Retain
Another La Masia graduate, Fermin Lopez, at 21 years old, shows promise. The club should focus on keeping and developing him.
Oriol Romeu - Offload
Signed on a free transfer to provide coverage, Romeu has shown he lacks the quality needed at this level. It's time for Barcelona to move on from him.
Sergi Roberto - Offload (out of contract)
A long-time, reliable servant to the club, Roberto has been plagued by injuries and limited game time in recent years. With his contract expiring, it's time for him to depart.
Lamine Yamal - Retain
The revelation of the season, Lamine Yamal, has captured global attention at just 16 years old. He has been one of Barcelona's standout players, and it's hard to imagine where the team would be without him. He is 100% untouchable, but the club must learn from past mistakes with Fati and Pedri and avoid burning him out.
Raphinha - Offload
Raphinha has had a few good spells but has been too inconsistent overall. Given Barcelona's need for funds, he is a player they should consider selling.
Vitor Roque - Offload (loan out)
Joining earlier than expected in January, Roque has featured a few times but has not been favored by Xavi. If Xavi remains as coach, loaning Roque out to gain game time elsewhere would be the best option.
Ferran Torres - Retain
Signed for $55 million in January 2022, Ferran Torres has shown glimpses of quality. Barcelona won't be able to recoup anywhere near that sum this summer, and his versatility across the front line makes him worth keeping.
Joao Felix - Offload (loan expire)
Felix had a strong start to the season, prompting calls to make his loan permanent. However, he has struggled for game time since his injury at the start of the year. Given the likely high fee required to keep him, it is not worth pursuing.
Robert Lewandowski - Offload
Although Lewandowski's form has improved towards the end of the season, scoring 5 goals in 5 games, he has not been as prolific as last season. He will be 36 years old when the next season starts, and with rumors of interest from Saudi clubs, it's time to let him go.
Marc Guiu - Retain
At just 18 years old, Marc Guiu has shown promise. Barcelona should focus on keeping and developing him for the future.