What Barcelona are working on in the final stretch of the season

FC Barcelona have had a little depression, as is normal after being dumped out of the Europa League and losing hope of catching Madrid in La Liga. There are still various goals to meet in what’s left of the season.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

The most important goal and nobody now is taking it for granted. Barcelona have work to do to qualify for the biggest European competition and the clash with Real Sociedad on Thursday could be key. They have 60 points going into this week with Sevilla and Atletico also on that number. Betis lost at Elche which helps. If they had won they too would be on 60. With 55pts, Real Sociedad are sixth and if they win they will be in the fight too. 

THE DEMBELE SAGA

It seemed it was over in January and he wouldn’t play again, but now the situation is changed. Dembele is the team’s most in form player and connected to the Xavineta. Conversations between club and player have restarted. It’s still complicated because there’s a big economic distance between the two parties. He’s a Barcelona player until June 30, so let’s see if it can be extended.

RENEWALS

Beyond Dembele, Ronald Araujo and Gavi need to extend their deals. They are two key players to Xavi’s project. Sergi Roberto is another whose future is unsure, he does not like the low offer that Barcelona have made and might end his time at the club.

SALES

It’s one of the more delicate issues. There are various players who Xavi is not counting on in the current squad. The problem is that getting rid of them is not that simple. Sergino Dest, Lenglet, Umtiti, Riqui Puig, Mingueza, Neto, Braithwaite and Memphis are among those whose future is on the line.

XAVINETA EVOLUTION

There’s something else, more profound or romantic. Call it what you will. That is seeing how the Xavineta evolves. There are a lot of green shoots. Pressure after possession loss, building up superiorities in areas, seeing how some players are dedicated and working hard now. The confidence in Xavi is intact.

A CRACK

In the market Joan Laporta would love to bring in a big marquee signing. Mateu Alemany has been working on Christensen and Kessie, who will definitely arrive. But it is not enough. Laporta wants Lewandowski, while Salah was also on the list but is unrealistic. We’ll see what happens.