Barcelona is slowly getting its act together this season, venturing into smart financial moves, but its approach could be better. With several players still deciding whether to continue with the club and a few more becoming critical targets for a few more top clubs, Xavi’s having difficulty meeting his objectives.
With Raphinha becoming the #1 target in City’s transfer sheet following Riyad Mahrez’s exit to Saudi Arabia, Barcelona is in fixation on what the future holds for the club.
While all this is happening, the move from Xavi to bring in a fresh squad for their preseason tour has excited every fan who buys tickets. The fans echo Xavi’s sentiments as he picks a young side for their US tour, as fans can buy tickets to witness FC Barcelona in the United States.
Xavi Picks his touring squad
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has announced the squad list for the preseason tour of the United States of America, including seven youth players who have impressed during the early parts of the preparatory training. One youth prospect who has stood out the most is 20-year-old attacking midfielder, Fermin Lopez.
Lopez has been with Barcelona since 2016, joining La Masia from the Real Betis youth academy. He spent the previous season on loan at Linares, where he had an impressive campaign, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists in 40 matches across all competitions, playing as an attacking midfielder and left winger.
The youngster’s performances on loan have caught the attention of Xavi Hernandez, who has been left impressed by Lopez’s performances during the first week of preseason training. As a result, the 20-year-old has earned Xavi’s trust and secured a spot in the squad for the preseason tour.
With an opportunity to showcase his abilities during the US tour, Lopez could force himself into Xavi’s first-team plans. Like Alejandro Balde’s preseason performances last year, which led to him becoming an undisputed starter at left-back, a strong showing from Lopez could lead to a similar path for him in the Barcelona setup.
As Xavi looks to integrate promising youth players into the first team, Fermin Lopez’s performances during preseason could pave the way for a breakthrough season at the club.
Barcelona interested in Harry Kane
According to rumors, Barcelona has expressed interest in signing Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur. However, there is a catch (fans who buy tickets don’t get too excited). Kane is entering the final year of his contract with Tottenham, and the club may lose their all-time leading goalscorer. Bayern Munich’s interest in Kane has threatened Tottenham’s chances of keeping the striker at the club.
While Kane reportedly wants to join Bayern Munich, the German club will have to negotiate a transfer fee with Tottenham, which is proving to be complicated.
Despite his interest in Bayern, Kane is not pushing for a transfer, and he will have to weigh his options amid the impasse. If he decides to leave Tottenham, he might have to fulfill the remaining year of his contract and become a free agent, giving him the freedom to choose his next destination.
The Athletic reports that Barcelona sees Kane as a desirable signing, but they currently face budgetary constraints that prevent them from competing for his services this year. However, if they can convince Kane to wait another year, they might try to sign him for free in 2024.
Barcelona has a history of looking for potential players to sign, and Kane could be a suitable addition to their squad.
As for Tottenham, winning trophies has been a challenge, but with the Ange Postecoglou era beginning, Kane might have considered staying for another season in hopes of ending their trophy drought. If Kane decides not to extend his contract with Tottenham, his future destination remains uncertain.
Swap Deal for Juventus
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport’s transfer site Calcio Mercato, Juventus could propose a swap deal to FC Barcelona for midfielder Franck Kessie. The two clubs, former allies in the failed European Super League, are set to meet in their first preseason friendlies in Santa Clara, California.
Franck Kessie, who joined Barcelona from AC Milan a year ago, is considered surplus to requirements in Xavi Hernandez’s midfield due to an ‘overbooking’ of players after the arrival of Ilkay Gundogan. The Ivorian midfielder was signed on a free transfer, so any fee he received would be pure profit for Barcelona.
Juventus has reportedly proposed a loan deal with a purchase option of €15 million ($16.8 million), but Barcelona rejected it. However, the possibility of a swap deal is being considered, and it could be interesting for both clubs. Juventus is interested in acquiring Kessie, while Barcelona is looking to bolster their options on the left flank, trying to offload players like Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres.
Juventus could offer Federico Chiesa, who is highly rated in Europe, as part of the potential swap. Despite concerns about his physical condition due to past injuries, Chiesa has attracted interest from clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Newcastle United. The deal could offer an exciting solution for both clubs as they look to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season.
Joao Felix – not a priority
According to reports, Barcelona and their manager, Xavi Hernandez, do not consider Joao Felix a priority signing for this summer. The Catalan club had been linked with a loan move for Felix, but Xavi may not be convinced about the move despite the admiration of Barca’s president, Joan Laporta.
Joao Felix has expressed his desire to move to Barcelona and is willing to wait for the opportunity, but the club’s financial difficulties make the deal uncertain. The statement from Felix, who was on loan at Atletico, hurt the sentiments of many loyal Atletico fans that buy tickets. But this deal will not be happening anytime soon.
Additionally, Xavi may be more focused on strengthening other areas of the team rather than the attack where Felix plays.
Felix is a talented player with flashes of brilliance, similar to Ferran Torres, but Xavi may be cautious about pursuing the signing for now. Barcelona’s priorities in the transfer market lie elsewhere as they aim to bolster different positions on the pitch.
Exciting Preseason for Barca
The La Liga winners have an exciting preseason lined up as they make their way to the United States and head to the league.
Two interesting clashes are up with the side set to face Arsenal and Real Madrid in the US. Fans in the US will have the opportunity to buy tickets to an early preseason El-Classico, which will happen at the AT & T Stadium in Texas, followed by Milan.
Everyone who’s seen any Barcelona-Real Madrid clash, be it league or cup or even friendly, knows the intensity the two sides bring to the game. So, fans who are set to buy tickets and make the trip – you are in for a treat!
To buy tickets for the preseason tour or check out options for the league games, trusted re-seller platforms will help.
