The 2022/23 Barcelona squad is shaping up as the days progress. What seemed like an almost impossible challenge given the club's financial situation is now a plan that is starting to excite fans, while at the same time, causing deep concern among their rivals. The signing of Robert Lewandowski is the latest in a string of acquisitions yet to be completed. The signing of the Polish forward was agreed late on Friday, after both clubs held talks throughout the day. He was Barcelona's main target in the market and in the end they paid his move for 45 million euros plus five million euros in variables. It was a week that saw the announcement of Ousmane Dembele's renewal after months of negotiations and the signing of Rafinha from Leeds. In just four days, with players of great quality and different characteristics, Barcelona have really made a strong attack, something fundamental for the coach.
In pursuit of goals
Lewandowski and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are the goal scorers. Nothing to really dig, their figures say it all. Paul has been the best finisher in Europe in recent years and the latter had a respectable scoring record at Barcelona last season. In theory, scoring goals is guaranteed. Their ages, about 34 and 33, should not be a handicap. the speed
Dembele and Rafinha represent pace and the ability to unbalance defences.
If the French forward continues his record for assists from last season, he could match Lewandowski this year. Rafinha also has goals in his game, a trait that is highly valued. Ferran Torres and Anzu Fati are in charge of starting on the wing and moving into the middle. Both are players with a lot of goals. As for Fathy, the entire club is hoping that this year, once he recovers from injury, will be his decisive breakout year. Also, both can step into centre-forward. Ferran played several times as a false No. 9 last year, while Anzu trained at youth level as a center forward.
Advances in defense
However, the team is not the only attack. The defensive overhaul is evident, though not yet complete. Andreas Christensen has arrived to strengthen the center of defence, and Jules Count is also expected to arrive. With Ronald Araujo, Gerard Pique and Erik Garcia, they form a solid line of defenders, while two full-backs are on the way who can provide experience and strength - Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso. She will compete with Jordi Alba and Sergino Dest. In the midfield there are very good home ground players: Sergio Busquets, Pedri, Gavi and Nico.
The signing of Frank Casey will bolster the midfield. He is a player with attributes that the squad has lacked for some time. Also, has the ability to score goals. The situation with Frenkie de Jong is still unresolved, but naturally there will be outgoings. If he stays, he is another talented player who can contribute a lot, while if he leaves, the club will look to bring in Bernardo Silva. Any such deal would be incredibly complicated given how expensive the Portuguese midfielder would be, yet his arrival would bring Barcelona's midfield to a level that would be the envy of most clubs in Europe
Memphis is on the market: he has no place at Barcelona
The signings of Robert Lewandowski and Rafinha and the renewal of Ousmane Dembele have left Memphis Depay without a place in the Barcelona squad. Despite being the team's top scorer last season, he will be the seventh striker behind the aforementioned plus Anzu Fati, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres. It's an uncomfortable situation for a player who aims to be a starter every game. Memphis already knows what's at stake. The club met with his agent to explain the situation. Now that he is not a vital player for Barcelona, the best solution is for him to leave the team this summer. The Dutchman is thinking about it. He knows he has a good reputation and can go to a regular team, but he won't go to any team. As in the case of Frankie de Jong, the financial side of things is important. His sale, thought to be in the region of €20 million by the Catalan giants, would mean an influx of cash that could be used to sign other players. Also, it will free up the wage bill space to register new players who have already arrived and cannot be registered now. There's still a month and a half left in the market, so there's still a long way to go between now and the end of the window. During this time, both sides will work to find a good solution. It is clear that he will play very little if he stays at Barcelona, and with the World Cup in six months, that will hurt him.
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