FC Barcelona v Valladolid (4-0) Match Review: Lewandowski &Dembele Shine and Kounde’s First Start!

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.

5 Juli 202213min

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.

28 Juni 20229min

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.

23 Juni 20224min

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?

17 Juni 202210min

The Barca Breakdown discussed the rumors circulating that Xavi has told Pique that his time at FC Barcelona is over. Do these rumors have any foundation? There has been controversy surrounding Pique regarding his split from Shakira, but that cannot be the only reason. It is clear that he has faced some injuries at the end of the last season, however the sports outlets claim it is due to Pique being unfocused at Barca. Furthermore, Barcelona wants him to renounce his 40M Euros that he is owed to him for completing his contract in 2024.  If rumors are true, it could be dark days as the only back ups to Pique are Lengelet, Umtiti, and Mingueza. These players have not shown to be as good alongside Ronald Araujo. Erica Garcia would be the next choice, but his performance last season had too many major mistakes and he is unreliable. This would cause mayhem beginning next season and Barca may find themselves in another hole to dig themselves out of.  Aside from the current roster, the summer transfer window is an opportunity for Barca to back fill this spot. However, it is unlikely Kounde or Koulibaly will be coming to Barca as their price tags are too high and Barca is BROKE!!! So where does that leave Barca? If the rumors are true, more dark days are in our future. If they are not, Barca still has time to develop Eric Garcia into a solid defender while having Pique assist.

15 Juni 20229min

The Barca Breakdown discussed the inching reality of Dembele, clearly one of the best players FC Barcelona has to offer currently, will most likely not come to an agreement with the club. The continued talks over the last year have not seemed to improve. Dembele is receiving interest from Chelsea and PSG for a new contract this summer. As his contract with Barca expires summer 2022, we will not be able to sell him and use the cash injection for future players.... much like the debacle with Messi. It is really tragic that Barca cannot hold on to some of the best talent walking through the Camp Nou. Reports are no further contact discussions will be taking place between the two parties. Interestingly enough, as one winger might be exiting, another winger just leaving PSG could be joining Barcelona. Di Maria made head lines when information suggested that Leo Messi recommended that Di Maria join Barcelona this summer. While there is not much backing the headline, Barca are in need of a bolstered roster. If the Argentinian could take some reduced wages, we could see the 35 year old winger find a place with the blaugrana. This would be a good move if Barca were to lose Dembele and Traore as our options are becoming increasingly limited. Lastly, it seems the Lewandowski is making things clear. He has lost the passion to stay at Bayern Munich and wishes to join FC Barcelona. Information suggests that Lewy is only considering a move to Barca and ignoring all other options.

7 Juni 20226min

The BarcaBreakdown discuss the financial struggles for FC Barcelona, and how Laporta and the board may find revenue this summer. Unfortunately, as the season has ended, rumors are all around and many are speaking constantly about FC Barcelona's financial woes. We do indeed need to rebalance our books, which is looking increasingly hard with players like Umtiti, Lengelet, and Braithwaite (among others) who do not want to end their contracts with Barca this summer. The board does have many options to increase our funding through the possible Tebas CVC Deal, selling our streaming/licensing rights, and other loan options. The BarcaBreakdown believe it is too early in the season to be constantly stressing. Laporta and the board have a weeks/months to make the adjustments necessary to get us in a better financial situation.

5 Juni 20228min

The BarcaBreakdown discuss the beginning of a wild summer, with rumors swirling that Manchester United want to buy Frenkie De Jong as Frenkie himself reiterates his desire to stay for the club. As Xavi, Laporta, and Frenkie have all come out in the last month reiterating the importance of Frenkie to Barca's new sporting project, it seems clear that the media and journalist are reporting any and every story for clicks. However, there may be some substance here, as Barca are clearly needing money to help sign and fund new players this summer. Though, the season just ended and FC Barcelona's current money situation will improve over the coming month as the Board learns how to best fund the new season.

2 Juni 20226min