Kessié protects the ball in front of Mikel Merino. /
Despite his financial problems, he signs Kessié and Christensen and wants Lewandowski, Koundé, Bernardo Silva and Raphinha, among others
The sale of ten percent of the television rights to the US fund Sixth Street for 207.5 million euros has allowed FC Barcelona not only to conclude the 2021/22 season without losses but also to be able to cover certain signings that just a few days ago seemed unthinkable . With Kessié (Milan) and Christensen (Chelsea) already signed – they will be presented on Wednesday and Thursday respectively – and with Lewandowski and Koundé in the spotlight, the Can Barça offices have been working overtime for weeks to be able to offer Xavi Hernández a template as competitive as possible.
And in that sense, Joan Laporta and all his sports management have already made a list of players who could improve the quality of a team that next year will continue to be led by Pedri, Gavi, Busquets, Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres and company. On the table, the name that gains the most strength is that of Raphinha, the Leeds United player for whom Barça would be willing to pay 60 million, 55 fixed and another five in variables. Yes, in three installments. At the moment it is the first option for the president, since the Brazilian winger has greedy suitors such as Chelsea and Newcastle.
Another crack that is linked to the Catalans is Bernardo Silva. The Portuguese midfielder would have said yes, but at the Etihad Stadium they ask for 100 million, a figure very far from the 40 that Barça would be willing to pay to reinforce his midfield. Much cheaper could be the additions of Marcos Alonso and César Azpilicueta, the two Chelsea defenders for whom Xavi yearns after the departure of Dani Alves and the doubts that exist with Piqué. In Barcelona there is talk of 20 million to be able to take over the services of both, whose contract ends in 2023. Of course, at the moment in London this option is not being considered, especially that of captain Azpilicueta, since the departures of Rüdiger and Christensen They have left the defensive facet diminished. Meanwhile, and so that all of the above can become a reality, the spotlights remain on Dembélé and De Jong, the latter in United’s orbit.
