Free path to the signings of Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay

Although the feeling is that there is a lot of work to be done, the reality is that there is a lot of work to be done. So sensations and reality go hand in hand at a Barça that is still under construction since work began on it last summer. There was neither the time nor the money to follow through with the plan drawn up by the Blaugrana’s sports management, whose strategy was agreed with Ronald Koeman. It will be this summer when those who must build the Barça of the future will return to the coal face. If nothing changes, again with the Dutch coach at the helm.

It is public, because the coach himself made it known at the time and has never hidden it, that Memphis Depay was one of the transfer objectives last summer. In fact, everything was completed so much that the only impediment was put down by LaLiga, vetoing the signing because it meant increasing the salary base in such a way that it exceeded all the limits allowed by the competition. It was a blow for the Dutch international, but also for Koeman, who was left without one of his requests and has had to deal with all season improvising players in attack. He tried Braithwaite for a while, then he tried it with Dembélé and now it is Griezmann who seems to be the chosen one while Ronald is still waiting for the arrival of his compatriot. Both have maintained regular contact throughout the season and, despite the disappointment of Memphis at the time, he has shown with Olympique Lyon that that disappointment served as motivation - he has played 38 games, scored 21 goals and scored 10 assists. They are big numbers for a footballer who, in addition, has exhibited versatility playing as a nine, behind a striker and even on the wing. He has also operated in midfield when necessary.

Koeman is very fond of this versatility and has an important role for him in Barça's first team. Memphis is eager to be working under Koeman and the club has already approved the operation because the transfer cost of the Dutchman is zero. He ends his contract on June 30 and has waited for Barça to sign him.

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The first request for the Dutch coach's attack (and he made this known to Laporta during Thursday lunch at the Via Veneto restaurant), is Depay, but Kun Agüero's name was also on the table and Koeman gladly accepts signing a forward with the Argentine’s experience. Beyond his friendship with Leo Messi, a circumstance that obviously counts when making the decision, he thinks Kun's presence would be positive at a sporting level. That he arrives, like Memphis, at zero cost, is something that is essential for the club because money destined for transfers will only be used for large operations, but both the sports management and the coaching staff understand that the profiles of both footballers are absolutely complimentary.

Depay and Agüero join the squad because they are strong footballers and because of the role that, in principle, each one should play next season. Everything is on track with both and, if nothing goes wrong, the two will arrive at Camp Nou.

Of course, the economic situation does not allow too many adventures and forces the club to be extremely careful when planning the squad. The objective is to increase its level, but it will be essential to lighten the salary base so that Kun Agüero and Memphis Depay can sign. Braithwaite is looking for a team, but Barça is open to listening to offers for any player on the squad. Some more than others, yes it’s true.