Xavi’s priorities, in order of importance

Signing this summer of 2023 is a more difficult task for FC Barcelona. Without levers to pull and with the obligation to follow the feasibility plan presented in LaLiga it is necessary to establish a ranking of priorities that, from what has happened so far, coach Xavi Hernandez is clear. Given the current situation, it is likely that the priorities in terms of the adoption of specific demarcations do not completely coincide with the chronology of the negotiations, but Xavi is clear where he should start and where he should end depending on club possibilities and the reality of the market.

THE ‘POST BUSQUETS’ MEDICENTER

Zubimendi or an alternative

MD has made it known from the start that if it is for Xavi to strengthen the position of defensive midfielder it will be his main priority, once he fails to convince Sergio Busquets to extend his stay at Barcelona for another season. That way, for a guaranteed replacement for ‘Busi’, the technician starts and, if he is asked for a name, his favorite is Martin Zubimendi. It is already known that for the price (60 million euros) and even for the disposition of the player (he wants to play the Champions League with his current club), bringing Barça to Real Sociedad pivot is almost a success. Without Zubimendi, Xavi clearly wants to an alternative level, with Marcelo Brozovic (Inter) or Guido Rodríguez (Betis) as top names.

2

THE INNER GAME

Gundogan to improve football inside

One of Xavi Hernández’s technical priorities to try to make a step in the growth of Barça’s game is to improve internal connections. Robert Lewandoski fulfilled his role as an arch-scorer, winning the Pichichi in his first season at Barça, but it is true that his supply, without Pedri, depends mostly on lateral assists. That explains why Barça pushed Ilkay Gundogan, captain of European champion Manchester City, who is also looking for a contract renewal that expires in a few days. He also explained that, as reported by MD, an interior like Argentine Giovani Lo Celso, owned by Tottenham, is on the list. Lo Celso, who can act as a midfielder, can be managed as a loan.

3

THE FRONT

Roque, a goal assist for Lewandowski

The essence of the question of the expectations of the teams is usually in their ability to build their own goal and to prevent the opponent. The second part of that goal has been greatly improved this season by Xavi’s Barça and the evidence is the Zamora record achieved by Ter Stegen to win the Liga. Bringing the goal is the most expensive, especially if it is proven and if not, there is the signing of Robert Lewandowski himself at the age of 33 last summer, paying almost 50 million euros to get him away from Bayern. There still remains a way to bet on talent that has yet to be exploited. This explains the negotiations for Vitor Roque, the young 18-year-old Brazilian international striker who already has an agreement in principle with Athletico Paranaense based on 35 million euros and 10 in variables. The calendar for his imminent arrival remains to be seen, but his goal for Xavi is clear: to help Pichichi Lewandowski score goals.

4

THE ”2” LANE

This would allow Koundé to be freed from that role

It is, hierarchically, the last plans that Barça wants to make if it can, which is now not clear to everyone. If we are talking about a purely technical question, adopting the ‘2’ lane, for example, would free Jules Koundé from being almost exclusively a right-back due to tactical obligations and squad design and not as a occasional solution for that mission. The surprising thing about this matter is that in the club there are two profiles in the technical ideal of that demarcation: one, of a more defensive nature, which until a year ago was represented by César Azplicueta ( Chelsea) and until recently. by Juan Foyth (Villarreal), and another more offensive dream referent is Joao Cancelo (Manchester City). All of this seems, now, more of an illusion than a reality, although the market always has a life of its own.