Barcelona football club’s summer transfer window will be a make-or-break period for the club, and there is to be a complete overhaul at the back.
The Catalan giants are reportedly on the brink of a defensive overhaul, motivated by sporting requirements and economic reasons.
According to CuleMania, Sporting Director Deco has shortlisted three signings, two of whom are for the defense—a new right-back and a center-back.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah is the prime target for the central defensive position.
Having a contract running out, the German international can move on a free and is a viable low-cost signing for Barcelona, who are still struggling to meet La Liga’s financial requirements.
The bigger story, however, is the potential departure of Ronald Araujo.
Though a fan favorite and defensive mainstay in recent years, the Uruguayan is not reported to be content under new manager Hansi Flick.
Though Flick is an admirer of Araujo’s athleticism and speed, his place in a system that employs ball-playing defenders is questionable.
Andreas Christensen, who experienced a season of stop-start performances and injury issues, is also on the potential departure list.
The club is hoping to bring in approximately €80 million from the duo’s sales, which will be utilized to harden up other areas of the side.
The hypothetical €80 million windfall would be used to reinvest in a utility forward to solve the firepower crisis in an attack for Barcelona.
Christensen’s departure would be easy, but Araujo’s would be contentious due to how important he is to the team.
Nevertheless, with top European clubs circling and his market value increasing, his sale might be a sacrifice to make space for a wholesale makeover of the team.
Should Araujo leave, Tah could fill in as a good stopgap, bringing experience, athleticism, and improved technical quality—attributes that suit Flick’s tactical requirements.
In the end, Barcelona’s rearrangement of the backline might be a plus for all.
Though it would be a loss to lose Araujo, the financial maneuverability that would be gained from his sale, in addition to the arrival of Tah and a new striker, would serve to ease the club through the transition to a new era under Flick.
The summer window will be the proving ground for Barcelona as they balance ambition with financial constraint.
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