Barca Breakdown (FC Barcelona)

NY Red Bulls vs. FC Barcelona [0-2] Dembele, Raphinha and Lewandowski Shine! Xavi’s Starting Eleven?

The BarcaBreakdown discuss the final preseason game vs. New York Red Bulls, as goals from Ousmane Dembele and Memphis Depay led to a 2-0 victory for Barca. Xavi now leads the squad to the Joan Gamper game before the La Liga season begins. With Gavi, Busquets, and Frenkie de Jong starting in midfield along with Raphinha-Lewandowski-Dembele up front, a clearer picture of Xavi's preferred 11 comes into mind.

Up front, with Ansu Fati recovering and Ferran Torres still on the sideline, the trio of Raphinha-Lewandowski-Dembele seems like the clear favorite. The two energetic wingers provide incredible speed and driblling, while Lewandowski looks primed to pour in goals (though he hasn't yet this preseason). In the midfield, Pedri and Busquets are clear starters for the game against Rayo. Frenkie De Jong and Gavi are battling for the 3rd starting spot, though the BarcaBreakdown believes Frenkie is better suited to play in midfield right now.

In defense, Xavi has a tougher decision as he still hasn't worked with Christensen or Jules Kounde enough. We expect to see Araujo start alongside either Eric Garcia or Pique. Jordi Alba is guaranteed to start at left back, although it was comforting to see Balde play well against Red BUlls. It will be seen if Sergino Dest, the only true right back, will start, or if Araujo/Kounde will begin to take time at the RB position.

Transfer News: FC Barcelona Sign Joules Kounde From Sevilla!! How Will Xavi Lineup His Defense?

The Barca Breakdown discussed another landmark transfer in the summer window. Joules Kounde has signed with FC Barcelona, a deal including €50 million transfer fee + €10 million in variables over 4 years. Despite Chelsea offering over €60 million, it was clear the Frenchman didn't want to go to the Premier League. Barca now have a reinforced defense that will help them make it further into the Champions League and stop the comebacks that Barca fell victim to. But it matters no longer, Barcelona have Gerard Pique, Joules Kounde, Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Andres Christenesen, Sergio Roberto, Sergino Dest, and Jordi Alba. This will allow Xavi to rotate players much more effectively as well as mitigate the impact felt when a defender becomes injured.

With so many options will Barca play a 4-3-3 or a 3-4-3? A 3-4-3 has seen much of Barca fall victim to assault from the wings, many times having players backtracking during a counter. It is likely that Xavi will stick with a 4-3-4 especially when trying out different lineups and their effectiveness. The last thing to consider is what will Xavi's preferred lineup be? Players to get the most time in as center backs will most likely be Kounde and Araujo, but there will be plenty of time for Christensen. We believe Eric Garcia will lose some minutes/starts and dest in certain situations may have to compete with Roberto or Araujo. Whatever Xavi leans towards, Barca definitely have some great potential and will be facing Juventus tomorrow in the USA.

FC Barcelona V Real Madrid 1-0 El Clasico: RAPHINHA SCORES GOLAZO! Lewandowski Thrilling Debut!

The Barca Breakdown discussed FC Barcelona's preseason El Clasico match in Las Vegas. The starting line-up included Lewandowski, Raphinha, Fat, Pedri, Gavi, Busquets, Alba, Christensen, Garcia, Araujo, and Ter Stegen. In his first game joining FC Barcelona, Lewandowski looked like a lethal stud. He was playing on both sides of the pitch working and looking to score. A few shots on goal created some very exciting moments for the Pol. However, he never was able to find the back of the net. Nevertheless, after a great Barca press, Real Madrid were forced into a bad position and lost the ball due to a terrible clearance. Raphinha is able to smash the ball into the back of the net and take Barca up 1-0. After a close opportunity from Fati the first half ended. 

 

The second half the whole team changed and we were able to see some play from Dembele, Sergio Roberto, Kessie, Frenkie De Jong, and Depay, amongst others. While this half was not as exciting as the first half, it still had some interesting highlights from Depay, Kessie, and Roberto. Barca were able to hold off Real Madrid for 90 minutes, without allowing them a shot on Target. The damage against Real Madrid was not large with a 1 goal deficit but it could have been worse if Courtois was not saving almost every shot that came to the giant. 

 

With an exciting Clasico, it gives Barca fans a hopeful look at what is to come during the 2022/23 season! 

LEWANDOWSKI TO FC BARCELONA! Is He The Missing Piece To Barca’s Champions League & La Liga Success??

The Barca Breakdown discuss the signing of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich! The Pol comes to Barca on a 4 year deal at €45 million transfer fee + €5 million in variables. In a crazy summer transfer window, Barca are able to sign some big names and Lewandowski is the icing on the cake. For several years now, Barca have been missing an all out striker to score goals, and now they have him for 4 years. 

 

There are many postivies the striker will provide, but his proven track record of 50+ goals in all competitions year in and year out, only strengthen the excitement of his arrival. With Dembele and Raphinha on the wings providing balls into the striker, this front 3 will be a force to be reckoned with. The only downside is Lewandowski is older (33), but with age comes wisdom and experience. If we can even get 20+ goals it would be a success. 

 

Barca still need some help in the defensive line, however this has given hope to a quality 2022/23 campaign!

FC Barcelona To SIGN RAPHINHA! Will The Leeds United Forward FLOP or FLOURISH With Xavi and FCB?

The Barca Breakdown discussed the agreement reached by Leeds United and FC Barcelona for the purchase of Raphinha. The agreement includes 58 Million Euros + 6-9 Million in bonuses until 2027.

With the signing of Dembele, Barca have managed two very important signings in the summer transfer window on top of the acquisition of Christensen and Kessie. The board was able to make purchases due to the sale of TV rights that generated them funds. The signing of Raphinha has sparked concern that Barca could be over spending money right after they got some funds. On top of the worry that a 5 year signing could be troublesome if Raphinha underperformed. It wouldn't be the first time Barca signed a player that ended up flopping for large amounts of money and long contracts.

While all of these are viable concerns, Barca are under new management, there is a new squad, and it's great to have fresh attacking players. Speaking of available forwards, Depay is rumored to be leaving the team and Ferran Torres has a wound to one of his feet. The sporting team of FC Barcelona have been busy this summer. Hopefully some of their purchases will pan out and Xavi will be able to win some trophies next season!

Barca SIGN Dembele! Raphina & Lewandowski On Their Way to FCB? Frenkie De Jong Contract Issues!

The Barca Breakdown discussed that reports are, Dembele has signed a contract with FC Barcelona at a reduced salary until 2024. After the chaos of last season, it seems Dembele's agent has only forced a lower salary by not taking the initial contracts. While this may be bad news for Dembele, Barca get a great deal and the player gets to stay where he pleases.

Now that Barca have signed Dembele, what does that mean in the quest to acquire Raphinha and Lewandowski? Both players would cost a pretty penny for them to come and Barca would be signing several forwards when they definitely need to bolster the back line. The economic levers that will generate Barca money should be used wisely. Money should be managed well when looking to purchase either player.

Reports are Raphinha will come to Barca but Bayern Munich has yet to say they are willing to let Lewandowski leave. Transfer rumors are a tricky business, but one name has been thrown around a lot this summer. Frenkie De Jong has made news several times in connection with a transfer to Manchester United. However, the Dutchman has clearly stated he wants to stay at Barcelona. Additionally, he has several years on his contract in which he deferred payments to the later half of his contract, meaning he is owed larger amounts of money.

It is rumored that Frenkie's contract was leaked by Barca to justify his release. Whatever the case, Frenkie wishes to stay and play Champions League Football which would not be found at Man United. Chelsea has joined the running for the Dutchman. Lastly, Barca sent Trincao for 10 Million Euros taking a loss from his original acquisition. Whatever the case may be, Barca finally cut ties with old signings that haven't panned out. This is one of the last few steps Barca are taking to get rid of the Bartomeu era.

Frenkie STAYING at FC Barcelona? Kessie and Christensen Official! Raphinha AND Dembele At Barca?

The BarcaBreakdown discuss the recent transfer news, including Laporta saying Frenkie De Jong is staying, Barca officially announcing Kessie and Christensen signings, Lengelet being loaned to Tottenham, Dembele and Raphinha updates, and Luuk De Jong and Adama Traore returning to their teams from loan.

Though some of these are rumors, the economic levers being pulled does mean that Kessie and Christensen are officially FC Barcelona players. We are a bit skeptical of Laporta saying that Frenkie De Jong will stay, and we think that his comment about the need for Frenkie's wage reductions will be used to eventually explain his departure to Manchester United.

In a sudden turn of events, Raphina's transfer from Leeds to Chelsea has been halted, as there are increasing rumors that Raphinha will head to FC Barcelona! It is not official, but Deco and Raphinha have strong links to Barca right now though the transfer fee with Leeds is still going to be hard for Barca to agree on. Ousmane Dembele's contract with Barca is officially gone, though there have been increasing rumors that he will transfer over.

We are saddened to see Clement Lengelet leave Barca on loan to Tottenham, though clearly he no longer has a place on the team. He was a good player for us and we wish he had been able to match his great performances from 2018/2019.

Xavi’s DREAM Front 3: Raphina, Lewandowski, Fati? Is Dembele STAYING? Fati Injury Concerns?

The BarcaBreakdown discuss the news that Xavi’s desired front three is Raphina, Lewandowski, and Ansu Fati. After the economic levers were pulled by the socios last week, there is a chance we keep Dembele or get Raphina, get Lewandowski, and other options that will radically affect our starting lineup next season.

We discuss the worrying reports that Ansu Fair’s decision to not get surgery may mean he is still not 100%. Some within the club are worried, and Luis Enrique not using Fati for Spain was unexpected.

Dembele now seems to have no suitors for him, so FC Barcelona and Laporta have cut down their contract offer to him. Dembele seems upset and unwilling to sign the lowered contract, but we believe it is his agent's fault and he won't find a better offer.

Finally, we discuss Ferran Torres and whether he has a spot in the lineup if we get Lewandowski. With a new striker who can actually convert chances in Lewandowski, we believe he will be able to have a better showing in the coming season.

Messi Winning Ballon D’Or #8? Benzema Clear Favorite? Salah, Mane or Lewandowski Possible Winners?

The BarcaBreakdown discuss the possibile winners of the Ballon d’Or for the 2021/2022 season. Karim Benzema is the clear betting favorite after a tremendous season, including a La Liga victory and Champions League victory. 

Among the other contenders for a top 3 finish are Liverpool’s Mo Salah and Sadie Mane. Both had a wonderful season with better goals/assists from Salah while Mane won the African Cup of Nations with Senegal. As is usual, Robert Lewandowski remains a threat with over 50 goals this season for Bayern Munich.

Unfortunately, it is not likely that any FC Barcelona player ranks high for the Ballon d’Or this season. Pedri was hurt for much of the year and Araujo was probably our second best player along with Dembele.

Barca Socios Approve HUGE Cash Injection with Economic Levers! Lewandowski, Kounde, and Raphina?

The Barca Breakdown discussed the extraordinary assembly gathered to vote on motions to inject money through the sale of 25% of TV rights and up to 49.9% stake of BLM. Both motions, or Levers as they called it, were approved by the Socios.

This means Barca will get around 700 million euros. It is enough money to bring them out of debt and even allow them to make some important signings I'm the 2022 summer transfer window! It is unfortunate that it is has come down to this, but the board must take action to fix the financial situation. Fortunately, there are actions they can take to take back the stakes at a later time which would not allow them to lose out in the future.

Speaking of the future, many Socios wished to remind the board that the money is for the future of the club, and to be careful with the spending as that is how Barca got into this situation in the first place. Hopefully careful spending will be upheld while Barca still being able to sign a striker like Lewandowski and maybe Kounde/Koulibaly. Barca are still in need of a LB and RB, so maybe a purchase there. Will this stop the possibility of Frenkie De Jong leaving to Manchester United?