Barça president Joan Laporta must make big decisions this week
Laporta needs to do a lot of work to give Xavi the squad he wants next season
A big week is coming up for Barcelona's future. President Joan Laporta knows the team needs a revolution to compete for the big trophies and is going to take important decisions to turn the situation around. Barça are clear that a reaction is needed after watching Real Madrid win another Champions League and there is no other option than a clear out of the current squad and new signings. The priority first to complete some of the financial deals Laporta has been working on because there is time after that to re-model the squad.
For months Barça have been pursuing various options. The current board inherited a club on the ropes financially and there will be sales of assets that must be ratified by the members. Everything has been studied to allow Barça to increase their spending limit with LaLiga as they target up to eight new players with over 10 allowed to leave. Some exits may be more traumatic than others, with a big player likely to be sold to create room on the salary cap and bring in money. It's time to make brave decisions.
The club have laid the groundwork for signings but it will depend on the finances. The priority is to sign two full-backs (Marcos Alonso and Azpilicueta), a top-level centre-back (Koulibaly), a midfielder to compete with Busquets (Ruben Neves), a winger (Raphinha) and a striker (Lewandowski). Add to that the two free transfers already locked down: Christensen and Kessie.
Both Xavi Hernandez and the sporting directorate consider it fundamental to move on over 10 players to reduce outgoings and save on wages. And now no one is ruling out selling Frenkie de Jong if a big offer comes in and it allows Barça to do what they need to do elsewhere. It is a titanic mission, but it's possible and it could change the history of a club that is desperate to compete for the Champions League again.
