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Barcelona’s summer spending is questionable. That also applies to the fiasco from a season ago when Lionel Messi departed. Simultaneously, it came out that <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> sat over <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2021/08/18/barcelonas-1-5-billion-debt-how-a-mega-club-fell-into-a-financial-black-hole-and-lost-its-star/">a billion dollars in debt</a>.
To be fair, it is always a challenge to juggle team building while constructing a competitive roster. Executives and coaches must bet on the present success, while also preparing for the future evolution of the side.
Frankly put, Barcelona does neither of these. The club’s brightest players, Pedri, Ansu Fati and Gavi, are homegrown talents. The club’s acquisitions can be good. Andreas Christensen fits a defensive need while Raphinha brings some depth and flair up top. Franck Kessié is a defensive midfielder that could step in for the potential departure of Frenkie de Jong.
Barcelona’s summer spending falls short of the rivals it battles frequently in European competition. Additionally, Real Madrid has answers for both the present and future across the pitch.
The Catalan club wants to hang around with the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool or Bayern Munich. Yet, the financial crisis puts a stranglehold on the freedoms to acquire the great talents.
<h5>The Neymar Curse</h5>
Many of those struggles date back to Neymar’s shock transfer to Paris Saint-Germain five years ago. Ironically, the second-leading scorer in Brazil national team history arrived at Camp Nou as Lionel Messi’s eventual successor. That never happened.
Now, the two are in Paris after the Blaugrana failed to register the greatest player in the club’s history. All this, despite Lionel Messi agreeing to a massive pay cut to help the club.
This summer, many players agreed to take hefty pay cuts to help the team navigate its debut. For instance, Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Roberto, both at the club for extended time, lessened their wages.
However, one player is hesitant to cut his wages. Some believe Barcelona want to force him out to make registration room for Christensen, Kessié and Raphinha.
<h5>Frenkie’s Dilemma&nbsp; </h5>
The Telegraph reports Barcelona owes Frenkie de Jong $20 million in deferred wages and bonuses. Barcelona wants to offload the midfielder to a different club, with Manchester United being a potential suitor. According to reports, a transfer fee could be in the realm of $84 million, including add-ons. For Barcelona, a transfer of the Dutchman saves the club $42 million, according to Mundo Deportivo.
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Barcelona director Mateu Alemany on de Jong deal: “Frenkie is a very important player and we count on him. But we know La Liga&apos;s Fair Play tells us to sell players”. 🚨🇳🇱 <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/FCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCB</a>
“I can’t say more [on Frenkie deal and Man Utd]”, Alemany added. <a href="https:\/\/t.co/UGKjwhAnbL">pic.twitter.com/UGKjwhAnbL</a>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1547943461197795329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2022</a></blockquote></div>
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Club director Mateu Alemany alluded to the fact that Barcelona may have to sell de Jong. Reason being the financial fair play rules. However, club president Joan Laporta stated Frenkie de Jong is still part of the potential plans at Barcelona.
<blockquote>“It is not true that the club is forced to sell Frenkie De Jong. His trip to the U.S. will be decided by Xavi,” Laporta said in a press conference.</blockquote>
The club wants to sell de Jong to Manchester United for a package worth $84 million. Reports estimate that de Jong’s departure would save the club <a href="https:\/\/www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/frenkie-de-jong-transfer-latest-27484454">$42 million per year</a>.
For what it is worth, Frenkie de Jong does not want to leave Barcelona. He is the only thing holding back the deal between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Frenkie de Jong prefers the draw of the UEFA Champions League, something Manchester United is not in for next season. Manchester United does have a familiar face at the helm for Frenkie de Jong. Erik Ten Hag, the new manager at Old Trafford, coached de Jong during most of his time with the senior squad at Ajax.
De Jong is clearly a gifted playmaker who can carry the ball into dangerous positions. From there, progressive passes feed lackluster striking options.
However, Xavi looks set to stick with the young talents of Pedri and Gavi in the middle of the park. Plus, Nico Gonzalez and Franck Kessié seem lack natural replacements in the middle.
<h5>Market Deficiency </h5>
The 26-time LaLiga winners have more targets in the transfer window. For that to happen, other players must go. USMNT representative Sergiño Dest had rumors swirling. Yet, he stated publicly that he plans on staying.
Then, Barcelona targets Robert Lewandowski, who is still among the best strikers in the world. The 33-year-old, who turns 34 in August, reportedly told Bayern Munich that he wanted to leave. In a reverse situation to Frenkie de Jong, Bayern Munich refuses to sell him. Lewandowski remains in training with Bayern Munich, with the Bavarians desiring $50 million in a transfer fee. Barcelona submitted a new offer just ahead of the weekend.
César Azpilicueta is another player on the wish list. Another somewhat aging player who turns 33 next month, the defender can still provide a versatile role.
Despite the financial woes, Barcelona’s summer spending mirrors that of a win-now team seeking a league or Champions league trophy for the first time since 2019.
<h5>Cash Rules Everything Around Me</h5>
Barcelona’s financial issues required their famous stadium to be under a sponsorship for the first time in history. Officially, Camp Nou is under the moniker of Spotify Camp Nou. That same brand also appears on the men’s and women’s kits for the next four seasons.
Also, Barcelona sold 10% of its TV rights for the next 25 years to a U.S. firm, Sixth Street. La Liga’s salary limit for the club in the upcoming season is -$144 million. It’s like an NBA team paying a penalty in the luxury tax for going over the salary cap.
In the end, it seems de Jong will leave Barcelona because of the compounding financial issues. Barcelona needs to cut its budget at the same time its competitors stack up on talents.
Getting out of debt will take decades. Barcelona must do whatever it takes to remain an elite club. It’s a delicate balance that requires tough decisions being made.
PHOTO: Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto via Getty Images

Barcelona's summer spending is not one of rebuilding, nor is it one of a win-now mentality. It is confusing because of financial issues.

Yet again, financial dilemma influences Barcelona's summer spending - World Soccer Talk

Yet again, financial dilemma influences Barcelona's summer spending

<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bayern-ars-e1412915868517.jpg"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bayern-ars-e1412915868517.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-95610" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20141010_WST_118631_Bayern-ars-600x323.webp&amp;width=600&amp;height=323" alt="FBL-EUR-C1-ARSENAL-BAYERN MUNICH" width="600" height="323"></a></figure></div>
In transfer windows, elite teams generally spend more money than their lesser counterparts. This is due to more success and larger war chests. Bayern Munich has pulled something of a U-turn on that school of thought.
The team had to spend a justifiably large wad of cash on AS Roma center back <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/09/08/as-roma-president-calls-mehdi-benatia-poison-and-speaks-out-against-his-lies/">Mehdi Benatia</a>, but other than that were very economical with their spending. The same double successfully economic and greatly improving type of spending was not present for the rest of Europe’s elite as teams like Real Madrid, Manchester United and Barcelona all spent exorbitant amounts of cash. And while the respective additions of James Rodriguez, Angel di Maria and Luis Suarez will all undoubtedly help the clubs on the pitch, the money spent on those players takes a financial toll.
As a result of exceptional depth, Bayern could pick and choose their spots in terms of signing players. Sure, they had needs, but the team that they had before the additions could have won a great deal of silverware on its own. Nonetheless, additions were made. Everyone has to not only keep up with the Joneses, but also not be complacent with their teams. Improvements have to continually be made to succeed in European football.
The German giant’s best work may have been done signing players for no money at all. In addition to the utilitarian Sebastian Rode, all-world striker Robert Lewandowski was also signed for free. The fact that the Polish hit man was signed from arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund made the signing even sweeter.
In addition to the two Bundesliga veterans, Bayern signed a trio of Spaniards—promising, young left back Juan Bernat and long-time Spanish national team pillars Pepe Reina and Xabi Alonso. Bernat, at 21, cost a mere <a href="http:\/\/www.espnfc.com/story/1936901/juan-bernat-signs-for-bayern-munich-from-valencia">€10 million</a> and fits in perfectly with Pep Guardiola’s system. Able to line up on the left of a four man back line and as a left wing back and midfielder in a configuration with three at the back, Bernat’s speed and all-around ability makes him a great acquisition. Alonso’s metronome qualities and pinpoint passing also fit seamlessly into Guardiola’s style of play. Like Bernat, the former Real Madrid star cost a mere <a href="http:\/\/www.theguardian.com/football/2014/aug/29/xabi-alonso-bayern-munich-real-madrid">€10 million</a>. Reina was the cheapest of the bunch. Liverpool received <a href="http:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2719291/Pepe-Reina-completes-medical-Bayern-Munich-sealing-2m-Liverpool.html">£2 million</a> pounds for their longtime goalkeeper—which equates to about € 2.5 euros. The World Cup winning ‘keeper was a starter for Napoli just a season ago and has just about as much experience as you can get as a net minder. Reina immediately becomes one of the finest backup goalkeepers in Europe.
What’s tremendous about Bayern’s dealings, and depth, is that they sold <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/09/24/toni-kroos-settles-into-xabi-alonso-role-and-real-madrid-are-flourishing/">Toni Kroos</a> to Real Madrid for <a href="http:\/\/www.sbnation.com/soccer/2014/7/17/5902083/toni-kroos-real-madrid-transfer-bayern-munchen">€25 million</a>. Kroos is an extremely similar player to Alonso. The Spaniard is the more experienced of the two World Cup winners and in terms of Kroos’ sale money and Alonso’s cost, netted Bayern €15 million. €15 million that paid for Bernat and Reina with €3 million left over.
If you thought that was shrewd, the signing of Lewandowski makes the German’s bank accounts swell even more. Not only did he cost nothing to sign, but the man he replaced (Mario Mandzukic) cost Atletico Madrid <a href="http:\/\/www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2014/07/10/4949604/atletico-madrid-sign-mario-mandzukic">€22 million.</a> Bayern seem to cycle through world-class strikers—first Mario Gomez’s place was taken by Mandzukic who was then later shipped out in favor of Lewandowski. It certainly represents strength-to-strength for Bayern. The striker swap pockets them €22 million and provides them with an upgrade.
At a time where other large clubs like Real Madrid are in massive debt, Bayern Munich has done well for themselves to not only improve their squad, but also to make money in the process. In their dealings listed above they spent €22 million on five players (if you throw in Rode and Lewandowski who signed for free) and sold two players for €47 million. Bayern made €25 million, while they have arguably upgraded the positions of the players they sold (Alonso over Kroos in central midfield and Lewandowski over Mandzukic up front) and added depth, potential and elite quality, to an already absurdly deep squad.

Bayern Munich Reaping The Benefits Of A Rewarding Summer Transfer Window - World Soccer Talk

Bayern Munich Reaping The Benefits Of A Rewarding Summer Transfer Window

<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/champions-league-trophy.jpeg"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/champions-league-trophy.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-102189" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20140917_WST_116578_champions-league-trophy-600x337.webp&amp;width=600&amp;height=337" alt="champions-league-trophy" width="600" height="337" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/05/champions-league-trophy-600x337.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/05/champions-league-trophy-150x84.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/05/champions-league-trophy-300x168.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/05/champions-league-trophy.jpeg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a></figure></div>
This is the latest installment of Bayern Munich and <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/09/13/manchester-city-vs-arsenal-player-ratings-following-a-2-2-draw/">Manchester City</a> duel. For many pundits it’s the established against the upcoming or as others say, the serial Champions League finalists up against the group stage enthusiasts.
In a sense Bayern Munich are what Manchester City aspire to be – a storied European powerhouse with a rich history and a bright future. It therefore makes sense that games against Bayern are becoming a marker for measuring the progress of City, and whether they can actualization their European dream. However, they both go into this game as champions of their respective leagues, with an equal head-to-head record of two wins each, so there will be no fear in the Manchester City players’ eyes on Wednesday night when they step onto the pitch in the Bavarian&nbsp;capital.
Like Arsenal and Borrussia Dortmund, City and Bayern must be sick of seeing each other in the group stages of the Champions League. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/09/16/borrusia-dortmund-vs-arsenal-player-ratings-german-giants-take-win-over-work-in-progress-arsenal/">However, Dortmund just ran riot over Arsenal</a>, and Bayern will be hoping to do the same to keep the flag flying high for the German teams. They will have to do so without the services of Franck Ribery, although there is a possibility that Arjen Robben will be available. Both players will be huge losses, as they have been crucial to the way Bayern play over recent seasons, providing an injection of pace and power in the final third that Pep Guardiola’s patient style of play needs in order to be truly effective.
That being said, in Robert Lewandowski they have a proven predator that loves to hunt on European nights, and the recently shaky Joe Hart could be in for a busy night. The City goalkeeper has not had a good time against Bayern, and he will need to be better than his recent best to peg back Lewandowski and the underrated but effective Thomas Muller at the Allianz arena.
City has so far had an indifferent start to the season, beating Liverpool, losing to Stoke City and scraping for a draw with Arsenal, after having lost 3-0 to them in the Community Shield.
They will be hoping for much better than a lukewarm performance against the Bavarian giants. Manuel Pellegrini, their coach, will be serving the second of his two game touchline ban, a remnant from his ill-advised decision to criticize the referee after the round of 16 match against Barcelona last season. His presence will be missed and should not be underestimated, especially away from home. Tactical tweaks in the middle of the frenetic action can make or break a game, and the Citizens will be missing their chief tactician.
They will, however, be able to rely on the spine of their team: the ever-present foursome of Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure, David Silva and Sergio Aguero. The quartet will be hoping to lead their team to Champions League glory, starting with a morale boosting win at the Allianz Arena. They won their on the last meeting between the two teams in December 2013 and they will look to try and do so again.
In the latest chapter of a budding rivalry between the two teams, expect attacking, and entertaining football. They have never played out a goalless draw, and this game should be no different. As the first of six games in the group stage, nothing will be decided after the final whistle, but this is a game that neither will want to lose. So expect red and sky blue fireworks on the pitch, and when the smoke clears, a clearer picture of where City are on their quest for greater European recognition should emerge.

UEFA Champions League Preview - Bayern Munich vs Manchester City - World Soccer Talk

UEFA Champions League Preview – Bayern Munich vs Manchester City

A turgid first half turned into a blistering second half, including a six minute period where Grosskreutz scored twice and Goetze scored a third for the league leaders. A late goal by Stefan Kiessling could not even cosmetically cover up an abject performance from the home side.
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<ul>
<li>If you want to beat the team with the stingiest defense on the counter, you can’t sit back and allow the team with the most proficient attack to come at you all day. Bayer came out and played like Turkmenistan taking on Brazil at the World Cup. They tried to play everyone behind the ball and hit on the counter, but they are too talented for such a small-minded tactic and they were burned by sheer ignorance of it. When they finally started to play after the Mourinho-esque three subs by Jupp Heynckes, they began to bother Dortmund. Had they done so from the beginning, they may have avoided the embarrassment.
</li><li>There is only one thing to like about Nuri Sahin’s play: EVERYTHING. After two or three missed passes at one point in the first half, I thought he has was having a bad match. The fact that this went through my head after two or three missed passes speaks volume to the way he controls the midfield. Between his positioning sense and his positional play, he has to be the best midfielder in the Bundesliga.
</li><li>Antonia da Silva’s substitution for Sven Bender was the greatest substitution ever made! Well it was due to an injury, but there may be something to it. da Silva set back and protected the backline, making his presence felt early and often. This allowed the rest of the midfield to move up in attack. During the first 15 minutes of the second half, where Dortmund scored their goals, Grosskreutz was playing as a forward and Sahin played so much higher on the pitch he was effectively a #10. For a searing stretch, Dortmund were playing 4-1-5.
</li><li>Manuel Freidrich has had better days. It would be hard to say he’s had many that were worse. On the first goal, he allowed the ball to get by him despite using his arms to control it. He lost Grosskruetz on the second off a flick-on by Lewandowski, as well. And as the elder statesman of that backline, he allowed their shape to break way too easily once they conceded the first.
</li><li>Shinji? Barrios? Zidane? Who are they? Meet Dortmund’s best forward: Robert Lewandowski. This was only his second start this year and he did so as a lone forward, the mythic English #9, battering the ball and waiting for every cross. And he was the MOM. His movement was pristine. Go back and watch the final goal and see where he is to receive the ball. If Groetze hadn’t nutmegged Adler, Lewandowski would have every right to have punched him in the sack. He set up the second with an amazing flick on. And his long distance bombs in the first half, not only rattled Adler, but pulled Bayer out of a deep line, allowing them to take advantage of his efforts in the second half.
</li><li>Now that Edin Dzeko is in England, can we finally start talking about Kiessling being the best linking forward in the league. He might have been before Dzeko left. Not only did he score, but was the one bright spot during an woeful Leverkusen performance.
</li><li>Dortmund is going to win the title. And deservedly so. 
</li></ul>

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Robert Lewandowski" - Page 3

Barcelona

Yet again, financial dilemma influences Barcelona's summer spending

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich Reaping The Benefits Of A Rewarding Summer Transfer Window

Bayern Munich

UEFA Champions League Preview – Bayern Munich vs Manchester City

Bayer Leverkusen

Seven Things We Learned from Bayer 04 — Dortmund