Thread by @nadia_gfx, Necessary Changes of FC Barcelona's sqaud for the 21/22 season.[THREAD] Disclaimer : [...]

Necessary Changes of FC Barcelona's sqaud for the 21/22 season.

[THREAD]

Disclaimer : I will try to be as objective and unbiased as possible. Key word "try". I will also look to be realistic in regards to FC Barcelona's debt, and therefore limited transfer options.

DEFINITIVE CORE :

These are the players I believe we should build our project on. Pique and Busquets are veterans that we need, and I believe they have (at least) one more season at the highest level in them.

Note : I don't know if Messi will stay, but I think he should and he's obviously an essential part of any successful project, which is why he's added in here regardless. Riqui Puig is also part of the future, but he should consider a loan in case Koeman stays.

GRAY AREA :

These are the players I'm not sure about. Griezmann is obviously one of my favorite players, but at times I doubt whether or not he's a right fit here. I'd be sad to see him go, but I'd also understand it if Laporta decides to sell him in case a good offer comes.

Lenglet hasn't been at the required level throughout the season, therefore I could see him being sold. But if no good offer comes in, we should keep him for the sake of having a left footed CB. Trincao hasn't managed to convince me, but he could evolve into +

A good differential from the bench, so only sell for a good amount of money. And jordi alba. His case is tough. He always puts up great numbers, he's essential to our attack, but at the same time he's extremely frustrating and predictable.

So two options, either keep Alba and buy/promote someone to give him proper competition, or sell him.

DEFINITIVE EXITS :

These players need to leave, one way or another. Their wages are too high, they take up roster spots and they're not at the required level.

So assuming that all those players get sold, that leaves us with about 13 players in the sqaud. 11 exits.

Now moving into transfer targets :

1. CB - > Matthijs de Ligt

Imo the most important target, he would improve our defense greatly. Juventus will probably refuse to sell, so this is a highly unrealistic target. Eric Garcia will probably have to do for now.

2. LB - > José Gaya

As already mentioned above, Alba needs competition. Gaya is a player of immense quality, and he could come for a small amount of money.

3. RB - > ?

Assuming Roberto leaves, that leaves Dest as the only RB in the club. Emerson is an option, but I'm not convinced. I don't know any other reasonable options though, so I'm leaving this open.

4. Winger - > ?

Once again, don't have any particular player in mind, but a competent winger who isn't afraid of 1v1 take-ons and has a reliable finish should be an utmost priority. 5

5. Striker - > Haaland/Agüero/Depay?

And finally, a striker. We desperately need a striker, a pure nine. None of those false nines that are almost tens. No. A guy who's gonna annoy the defenders all game and score crucial goals. Agüero seems to be on the table +

And even though I have my concerns about his fitness and ability to perform at the highest level, I think he'd be an upgrade to Braithwaite. Haaland is off because Dortmund will not sell, so that leaves Depay.

Now Depay is a great player, but he's really not what we need. He plays that Griezmann position, that false 9/ creative 10. He's not someone who waits in the box and finishes it off. He shouldn't come, especially not if Griezmann stays.

Now last but not least, Ronald Koeman.

As I've already said today, Koeman did a great job with bringing us through the transition season. He unified the dressing room. No one expected us win the CdR and be in the title race until the very. He overachieved.

He deserves credit for making this damaged team compete for most parts of the season. Nonetheless, he has his flaws. His treatment of Riqui Puig, his stubbornness, his in-game management, substitutions, lack of backup plans for when things go wrong.

For all those reasons, I believe he should leave. He was always meant to be a temporary solution. And the truth is, his time here has come to an end. This team's forward progression will stall if Koeman continues as head coach.

So to recap, a difficult summer lies ahead. A lot of players need to leave, they will need to be replaced.. It's gonna be tough.

End of thread.

It's been pointed out to me that I forgot Oscar Mingueza. Apologies for that, he's obviously in my Definitive Core.

Now it's the end of the thread.

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