16 Oct 2018 18:21:32
Ed002, what are Barcelona's plans for rebuilding the squad?
Which positions will they seek to address, who are the players they are targeting and who are the players they are looking to sell?
Thanks in advance, Ed.

{Ed002's Note - You will need to remind me on Thursday - I have a very hectic day tomorrow.}


1.) 17 Oct 2018
17 Oct 2018 04:02:16
Alright, Ed.


2.) 18 Oct 2018
18 Oct 2018 06:10:06
Ed002, just giving you the reminder that you asked for. :)

{Ed002's Note - Barcelona will be constrained to adding only one South American/non-Euro/non-Cotenau player without another leaving but in the bigger scheme of things they have an aging squad and they need to raise funds to support an ambitious plan to rebuild. They have been looking at and considering:

Jeroen Zoet (GK)
Alejandro Iturbe (GK) - Kiddie from Atletico that an English side have made an illegal approach for

Ferland Mendy (LWB) - seen as a cost effective Lucas Digne replacement if Juan MIranda is not ready to step up from the B squad - a good one for the future but Lyon will want too much for a player who could end up being used as cover
Mikel Balenziaga (LB) Athletic will sell for a small fee in January if they can and he would provide just the solution Barcelona need - Valverde wants him but others want to utilise B team players if they can and save money for starters
Marco Alonso (LWB) - only if Jordi Alba were to leave, but player is happy where he is right now
Alex Telles (LWB) - emerging as a favourite after Alonso if Jordi Alba were to leave but serious interest from elsewhere

Joshua Kimmich (RWB) - primary target
Moussa Wague (RWB) – a solution to step up from the B squad after losing out on Alvaro Odriozola

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) preferred choice and Barcelona will likely make an offer for MdL and FdJ as a pair in January - but MdL is very much a January target
Dayot Upamecano (CB) an option to MdL but seen as over priced
Unai Nunez (CB)
Malang Sarr (CB) - expensive Umtiti replacement – unlikely
Leonardo Balerdi (CB) if he joins he will be loaned back or sent on loan
Djené Dakonam (CB)

Frenkie de Jong (CM) remains a primary target
Adrien Rabiot (CM) - will look for a pre-contract in January and take the player in the summer
Paul Pogba (CM) Expensive, Barcelona will try and include a player in any move, some discussions with Mino but no approach to MU or formal offer and wages will be an issue (unless they can off-load Messi in 2020)
Saul Niguez (CM) interest dates back to a gentleman's agreement that cannot be invoked but seems to be constantly rumoured - not of interest any longer
Rodrigo Bentancur (M) very unlikely
Kevin Kampl (CM) - far down the list back
Aisar Illarramendi (CM) - cheap cover
Dani Parejo (CM)

Lucas Paqueta (AM) - Barcelona have looked again now that Coutinho has taken Portuguese citizenship (although UEFA could yet object) but the player has his heart set on a move elsewhere which is already tentatively agreed

Nicolas Pepe (RW) – interest is there but interest from elsewhere could win out
Cristian Pavon (RW/F) - staying where he is for now and then will likely head to Barcelona at some point
Mo Salah (RW/F) would have considered him, but not at the amount of money his agent wanted off RM and only without his required "unique contract clause" - right now the chance is near zip

Steven Bergwijn (LW/AM) - unlikely
Hirving Lozano (LW/F)

Antoine Griezmann (F) - to replace Suarez, looking unlikely with the player having other ideas.
Gabriel Jesus (F) as an alternative to Griezmann
Timo Werner (S) – unlikely as he is eventually expected to head elsewhere, but Barcelona have continued to scout him but it would need a change of style or him to adapt - hard to see where he naturally fits in
Roberto Firmino (F) has been considered as a potential addition and way down the list for both Barcelona and the previously considering Bayern Munich.
Neymar (F) Barcelona's Plan X is scrap everything, bring Neymar back.

In terms of players who could be leaving:

Jasper Cillessen (GK) - player wants to move to get a regular start - Barcelona will let this happen but there is a lack of interest - €35M asking price

Sergi Roberto (RWB) club want him to stay
Jorgi Alba (LB) - contract situation still unresolved and patience is wearing thin

Samuel Umtiti (CB) decision is that he is not up to scratch
Thomas Vermaelen (CB) time has come

Ivan Rakitic (CM)
Denis Suarez (CM)
Rafinha (CM) - available
Paulinho (CM) - Guangzhou Evergrande have an option to buy
Andre Gomes (CM)
Arturo Vidal (CM) Will make him available

Sergi Roberto (RWB)

Philippe Countinho (AM) Barcelona may be open to moving Coutinho on as it is not working out as well as hoped.

Malcom (RW) - the club will let Malcom go and use the fast progressing Carles Pérez as cover if necessary

Ousmane Dembele (W/F) - attempts to include him in a transaction for another player failed and with their need for money they will sell if the money is right, and at a fee below what they paid, or perhaps over paid for him. There are a number of other players available that might also help to raise sufficient funds for the changes they want to be made.
Paco Alcacer (F) - Borussia Dortmund have taken up an option to buy so he has gone
Luis Suarez (S)
LIonel Messi (F) expected to move in 2020


3.) 18 Oct 2018
18 Oct 2018 11:18:13
Ed002, thanks for this brilliant reply. Really love how much effort you make to provide some many details.

Would you be kind enough to clarify the two following doubts?

1) What is this "unique contract clause" that Mo Salah requires?

2) Will Neymar prefer a move to Barcelona or to Real Madrid?

{Ed002's Note - (1) Unimportant; (2) I don't know which Neymar would prefer.}


4.) 18 Oct 2018
18 Oct 2018 12:18:56
Thanks a ton, Ed. I hope your vacations are going well. :)

{Ed002's Note - I don't have any vacations I am afraid.}


5.) 18 Oct 2018
18 Oct 2018 12:51:25
Ed who is interested in dembele, malcom and pepe thanks.

{Ed002's Note - (a) Which Dembele? (b) Inter (c) Bayern Munich, Lyon, Real Betis, Sevilla, Barcelona.}


6.) 18 Oct 2018
18 Oct 2018 13:34:57
IIRC, you were travelling. Is that work-related?

{Ed002's Note - Yes.}


7.) 18 Oct 2018
18 Oct 2018 14:01:37
I hope you can find time between your work to enjoy a bit of sight-seeing.

{Ed002's Note - I was in Munich yesterday - I know the city well so no need for any sight seeing.}


8.) 18 Oct 2018
18 Oct 2018 19:06:28
Ed ousmaane dembele, who is interested? Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - Nobody at this time.}


9.) 18 Oct 2018
18 Oct 2018 22:01:08
Which teams if any are interested in Umtiti Ed? Although I haven't watched too much of him (actually not been able to watch much footy if any lately) from whatever I have seen he looks a good player and more importantly to me he looks to be the best cb at Barcelona. Seems odd they will be happy to offload him.

{Ed002's Note - None and he has a major injury issue.}