LaLiga giants look to the heavens as Prem clubs touted for summer raid
Barcelona are said to be keeping their fingers crossed that Premier League clubs try to sign some of their peripheral players this summer in order to raise much-needed funds.
The LaLiga giants’ financial plight is well known and they are no longer able to throw millions at new signings. The pandemic has hit all of football and Barca are no different, with revenue streams not what they were. One way to bring in money is the sale of unwanted squad players and there are a few of those at the Nou Camp.
Ronald Koeman has been charged with the task of trying to thin out his squad. He needs to bring in cash to help balance the books before the process of recruitment.
There is also the issue of Lionel Messi and an impending contract renewal. The Argentinian is out of contract this summer and keeping him at the club will not be cheap.
He has been linked with many clubs but may opt to stay with his present employers. It is going to be a huge financial outlay for Barcelona.
And, with that in mind, AS (via Sport Witness) are reporting that the Blaugrana are ‘praying’ for help from the Premier League. It is hoped that English clubs have both the inclination and financial muscle to purchase some players.
The report does not mention specifically which stars are open to a summer switch. But, with the cash-strapped club desperate for a financial boost, they may be open to selling many.
Former Middlesbrough man could quit Barcelona
One player who seems destined to leave the Spaniards this summer is forward Martin Braithwaite. The 30-year-old was a surprise addition to the Barca ranks in February 2020.
Having scored just nine goals from 40 outings for Middlesbrough, it was not an obvious transfer. The Denmark international spent time on loan with Bordeaux and Leganes before signing permanent terms with the latter.
He then joined Barca but, expected, played only a bit-part role at the Nou Camp, with 11 league appearances in his first season. He upped that to 29 in 2020-2021 but only 11 of those were starts.
The Dane bagged just three goals and has been backed to move on during the off-season. It appears as though he has fans in England, with West Ham known suitors.
They were linked with a swoop in the winter and may well return with a bid in the next few weeks.
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