Barcelona has been busy during the transfer market. The club is trying to rebuild its squad even though they are financially weak. Barca sold some players who are not needed in the future plans of Ronald Koeman. Moreover, the Dutch manager is implementing a new model at Camp Nou which will help Barcelona nurture young talents.
The economic crisis at the club is due to the coronavirus pandemic. Top European clubs are facing similar problems. Also, Barcelona has spent big in the past few seasons on players who did not prove their worth at all. Philipe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann, and Ousmane Dembele all joined the Catalan outfit for record fees.
Barcelona’s big-money flops
Coutinho went on a loan spell after his lackluster debut season. Griezmann is yet to gain momentum with his form. Ousmane Dembele has been inconsistent since his arrival owing to injuries.
Lack of physical fitness has cost him a lot of game time. Even though he has the potential of becoming special, his inability to maintain the good run is problematic. The 23-year-old was again linked with a move away from Barcelona. Premier League giants Manchester United were linked with the former Borussia Dortmund man.
Koeman wary of the situation of Dembele at Barcelona
The speculation spread as Koeman did not like the interdisciplinary act of the youngster. He arrived late for training, 15 minutes after the allotted time. Also, Koeman dropped his from the team sheet traveling to Balaidos against Celta Vigo. The Barca boss justified his decision as Dembele received heavy competition for his position from Griezmann, Trincao, and Pedri.
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Manchester United wanted Dembele on loan for a year with an option to buy. Barcelona was adamant to push for a permanent transfer so that their transfer budget could have a significant raise. However, it seems the youngster will stay at the Catalunya side for this season. Cadena SER reports that the Frenchman is going nowhere in this transfer break.
It is kind of good news for Ronald Koeman as he can maintain the squad depth with a number of options in the attacking front. Nevertheless, he still wants to buy a striker to replace Luis Suarez. Barcelona cannot afford Lautaro Martinez at this moment. Hence, Koeman has shortlisted Memphis Depay as a cheap alternative. Barca needs to act quickly and close the transfer as the transfer window shuts close on Monday.
