Well, with the Neymar/Lautaro rumours still persisting, it seems that Barça will still make (at least) one ‘Galactico’ signing, although that may mean no reinforcement in other areas. That would be scenario one; Neymar/Lautaro + returning loanees, perhaps? That would mean Aleña, Trincão and Pedri would be added to the squad, with Coutinho, Rafinha and Todibo remaining as possibilities.
However, with reports emerging that Barça are looking to cash on the two Brazilians, Todibo might be the only loanee to stay with the Catalans, especially with Bild reporting Schalke will not be able to buy the Frenchman, due to their dire economic situation. However, with Barça themselves looking to cut costs, Todibo’s future still seems unclear.
That means that Barça would only sign a striker/attacker and would be left with the same options at the back, the weakest area of the squad. Furthermore, with the future of Rakitic up in the air, the midfield could do with some beefing up as well. An all guns blazing approach for a marquee attacker would be classic Bartomeu, yes, but it would leave the squad in jeopardy.
In that case, the club’s estimated total expenditure would be: €170 million (Neymar)/ €111 million (Lautaro). Also, in the unlikely case that Schalke decided to buy Todibo, Barça would have to pay a net €30 million to get him back.
A second and, perhaps, more sensible approach would be to look at relatively cheaper attacking options in order to facilitate spending in other areas.
If Barça decide to go in for Timo Werner, who has a rumoured release clause of €60 million, that would leave them €100 million or so (of the Neymar money) that they could then spend on a centre-back, a full-back and a midfielder. At centre-back, they could look at Dayot Upamecano (est. release clause: €60 million) or even Yeray Álvarez from Athletic Club (release clause: €70 million). The club has, strangely enough, been linked to Aymeric Laporte of late, at least as per MD. There is no doubting his ability as a defender and ball progressor, of course, but his price tag may prove to be a hindrance. Continue reading