Barcelona did not have much success in the transfer window as they failed to sign two important players. Ronald Koeman has been trying hard to improve the squad since his arrival at Camp Nou. However, the economic problems have stood in the way of development of the club. The board is not co-operating as they have to balance the books and cover the losses incurred due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Barcelona yet to replace Luis Suarez
Barcelona let go of their star striker Luis Suarez for free and league rivals Atletico Madrid snapped him up. His new teammate Diego Costa could not believe how Barca could allow such an important player to leave their side. Koeman had bigger plans for Griezmann who is finding it hard to settle into the Catalan outfit. In an interview, the Dutch manager opened up about the fact that the current team can play without a proper number 9.
Nevertheless, Koeman had to look into the market for a suitable replacement. January signing Martin Braithwaite had a lackluster start and does not have the capability to fill in the big boots of the Uruguayan International. It was impossible to bring in Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez as the transfer budget was meager. Instead, the Barcelona boss shortlisted his fellow national team striker Memphis Depay who plays for Olympique Lyon in the French league.
Barcelona upset over Manchester United
The speculation went on till the last day of the transfer window. Barca waited for the dispersal of out-of-favour Ousmane Dembele to Manchester United but the transfer talks did not materialize. It led to a domino effect as Depay’s move to Camp Nou did not go through. Lyon Sporting Director acknowledged Barcelona opting for a move for their attacker, as per Marca. Even though an agreement was reached between both the clubs, La Liga rejected the transfer of the player.
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The new salary cap in the Spanish top tier football prohibited the completion of Depay signing for Barcelona. It was a bargain for the club as Lyon reduced their asking price on the deadline day to felicitate the transfer. Barca also missed out on Eric Garcia for similar reasons but City and the Catalan outfit meet on terms yet. Manchester City stuck to their price tag and Barcelona declined to pay so much on a player whose contract was expiring a year later. Koeman tried to enforce the defense before the transfer window shut.
