Summer Transfer Window 2013: FC Barcelona

The deficiencies among the squad don’t end there though. Victor Valdes has confirmed he will leave Barcelona on a free transfer at the end of his contract in 2014. While it remains to be seen whether the club decide to purchase a replacement right away, or wait till next season, a new goalkeeper should be brought in irrespective of Valdes’ future. Neither him nor Jose Pinto are very reliable, and have been guilty of several high-profile errors. This club can surely do much, much better than Victor Valdes. The first option Barcelona will look at is Liverpool‘s Pepe Reina, and it is rumoured that he is in favour of such a move, though nothing concrete has yet emerged. Michel Vorm (Swansea) and Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Borussia Monchengladbach) are the other possibilities. Admittedly, all of the above would be an improvement on Valdes (as you can see, I’ve held him responsible for most of the clubs failings, during his time in goal).

The other most important problem at the club, would be to solve the now well-advertised messidependencia, or, an over-dependence on Lionel Messi. Given that he is one of greatest players in history, it is understandable to have him as the teams focal point. The problem arises when he is the only player who can be turned to for an end-product. Neither Alexis Sanchez, David Villa, nor Pedro can step up in his absence, which was felt so dearly in the Champions League. He was forced to play through an injury in the 2nd leg, so dire was the situation. Even when fully fit, clubs have looked at the age-old technique of stopping the virtuoso of the team – by crowding his playing space out. Most fail, but some – like Bayern, and to an extent PSG – succeed. And the latter is of greater concern as the same worrying phenomenon has been visible against Real Madrid in recent games, and Chelsea, last season. The club have acted remarlably swiftly and ably to bring in the prodigal Brazilian, Neymar. Opinion has swayed upon his arrival – some have doomed him to failure, or disappointment like Zlatan Ibrahimovic was, or Sanchez is, to a great extent, while others have hailed him as the next-big-thing for the club. While his impact will depend greatly on how he adapts himself to Barcelona’s tiki-taka, and also not being the focus of the team, it is undeniable that Neymar has great calibre, and is create moments of magic out of nothing. His dynamism and speed on the left wing will also provide the club with width, a dimension they have greatly missed. Jordi Alba too can revel in his presence, and the two can form a devastating partnership on the flanks. With that, Andres Iniesta can now revert to a more central midfield position, with him being shipped to the left flank often over the past two seasons. Expect Messi to be given a few well-deserved breaks against lesser teams now.

David Villa is surely on his way out of the club now, and the Premier League is his preferred destination, with both London clubs, Arsenal and Tottenham vying for his signature. It is a pity to have such a wonderful forward leave the club, but he seemed to fade remarkably halfway through his first season, and though he did show flashes of his previous brilliance this season, he needs a steady run of games, in his preferred centre-forward position to be able to shine brightly again. Something, which will not happen while he’s at Barcelona. Cesc Fabregas and Sanchez too are supposedly on the radar of other clubs, but their potentiality would dictate the club hang on to them for the future. Cristian Tello and Isaac Cuenca are expected to be sent off on loan to gain more playing experience, as is the wonderkind Gerard Deulofeu. Expect big things of him in the future for the Catalans. As of now though, a loan to Borussia Dortmund has been spoken of.

The 2013/14 season will be one of great upheaval in the La Liga, with Real Madrid firing Jose Mourinho, Barcelona signing Neymar, and Falcao leaving Atletico Madrid. If Barcelona want to remain at the summit of the League, and climb back to the top of the European ladder, then this transfer window must be made full use of. Toppling Bayern Munich, who will be refurbished with Mario Gotze and more, and under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola, will be no easy task, and Tito Vilanova has his job cut out. Also, will his health permit him to continue in regular incumbency? Or will it force him to sit out for an extended period again? If so, will the club risk continuing with him at the helm? Pertinent that only the coming months can answer. Stay tuned for more.