It makes sense. They have a group of kids about to break through now who are arguably collectively stronger than the group who Pep brought into the side. Within about 2 years they could realistically go into a big game playing all of Araujo, Mingueza, Pedri (Gonzalez), Puig, Moriba, and Fati from the academy. To get there they need to avoid the approach of the last couple of years of bringing in ill fitting outsiders whose stature blocks the path of these kids, and so some continuity to know first hand how close these kids are (Pedri and Fati, when fit, are arguably already part of their best XI) and which senior players are blocking their path is the right way forward. I think that is even more true with Koeman given his willingness so far to put trust in these kids. It just needs the guys in the board room to not fuck it up by forcing some high priced stars on the manager.
With Laporta being back, I think the chances of Barca finding themselves again has increased. According to Catalan media, Koemanās willingness to use young players and his understanding of the clubās values was one reason why he kept his job.
One condition for Koeman to stay was apparently to stop experimenting with formations, and stick to the 433 theyāve traditionally played.
Jordi Cruyff has been brought in as well, as a link between Koeman and the people in charge of the footballing side. So it seems like theyāre making the effort to return to their old ways.
Looking at some of their young prospects, I think Barcelona got lucky, otherwise they would have been screwed had they had to spend actual money to buy players they need (especially taking into account their megalomaniac tendencies).
These free transfers will help their kids, I think, more than they will help Barcelona fight for trophies in the next two years. If I was a young midfielder or fullback breaking through, Iād be happy to know Wijnaldum is covering for me. Not taking anything away from their other free transfers, although most of them seem to be made to appease other players rather than a product of long term planning.
Hmmā¦ not sure if Iād credit Koeman with so much willingness to give younger players a chance or it was simply needed more and more, almost regardless who the manager was/is.
I still feel this will be more of a short term move, buy them time, see how they do after the summer window. But always keep an eye on available coaches, depending on their financial situation.
Yeah, I guess the business we see them do now is largely a consequence of the financial mismanagement over recent years. Garcia is someone they have wanted to bring back, and Depay has been talked about as a target for a long time now. If Griezmann is on his way out, which seems likely, thatās a good replacement in my view.
Gini is perhaps a present for Koeman, I donāt know, and Aguero an attempt to get Messi to stay. Not sure those two would happen under normal circumstances or under a different coach.
Itās perhaps the best thing they can do in this situation. Get some experienced quality players in who can help them short term while the young core keeps developing. Without having to spend on transfer fees, which seems critical at the moment. And all those three senior players bring something they perhaps were missing last season, looking at their squad I can see where they fit in.
ultimately, how many of these ābad fitā signings were signed on the assumption that this youth set up starts paying dividends.
Griezman a few years back doesnt seem like the most solid use of funds, but if you factor in what they think is on the horizon?
i say this with no authority because the first ive heard of this new generation is in this threadā¦
Yeah I donāt see it myself. Paying fortunes for ill fitting players because thereās a conveyor belt of youth? Why not spend a lot of money on the right players instead?
because they didnt have someone who knows footer very well in charge?
I canāt say Iām a big fan of La Liga but I watch Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid from time to time just to keep up. I think that Barcelona have a fair few talented young players who might go on to be very good (in Fatiās case, I think he could be a star, Pedri might as well).
However, their annual measuring contest with Real Madrid and presidential desire to appease the fans has brought them into this financial position. Griezmann is one of those signings but none highlight these issues as well as Coutinho does. They got their fingers burnt but I donāt have a doubt that they will return to those ways as soon as they are able to.
Wow, if true - and it seems like it is according to other reports in the press - this is stunningly bad management of clubās finances. The guy later corrected himself, he actually wanted to say that Barcelona must save 200 million euros of wages gross, not 200 thousand.
@Nikola I didnāt know La Liga had a wage cap. Great if they do though, I feel this should be more of a thing in football. Is this perhaps the reason why Messi hasnāt signed a new deal, they need to dump wages first?
Iāve mentioned it a few times in recent weeks. They have recently been as high as 2 times the overall wage limit set by the league - e670m vs e380. I dont know what the full scope of the punishment is for exceding that, but at minimum La Liga can refuse them the ability to register new players. This is why the Memphis deal didnt go through last summer and has been the biggest sticking point to figuring something out with the now out of contract Messi, who if he resigns with them will be treated like a new signing by the league.
Do you know if this would have been different if he signed an extension before the contract expired?
2:13, the outside of Marceloās right footā¦ 
Purely technically speaking (not the whole package), the best technique Iāve seen from a LB or full back overall in my following.
I think so, but I think the issue is they are handcuffed in knowing what they can offer in terms of payment structure without knowing where they are with the rest of the players theyāre trying to offload. You donāt make up the sort of discrepancy they face by offloading kids who dont play.
Been reading thatās NET not gross, which absolutely blows my mind.
Barca wonāt admit it but a lot of their problems go away if Messi leaves
So will a lot of their revenues. They are in a pickle, arenāt they 