Tez Tosterone
Well-Known Member
I don't think that the arrival of Neymar will have much of an impact on the core of the midfield players, despite the fact that the transfer fee Barca shelled out for the Brazilian may necessitate the sale of a decent player to balance the books. Possibly not.
With Xavi nearing the end of his Barca career, another season guaranteed but what after that?
Fabregas was bought as part of the succession strategy to replace Xavi.
Iniesta looks set for at least another 2 seasons at Camp Nou. It's not as if Barcelona are flush with midfield creative talent outside these three.
So, given recent pronouncements by the club - "He's not for sale", and the player "I want to stay at Camp Nou", the only reason the club might cash in is if they were to sign a replacement for Cesc. A replacement who is better than him.
I know that his performances have disappointed Barca fans and commentators alike since his transfer in 2011. Nonetheless, I believe the club will only sell, if they are absolutely certain of getting someone more effective. Clearly this is possible given their pulling power.
If United do sign him for say circa £32m, he'd represent a decent signing and almost certainly Rooney at the swamp would be a thing of the past. The fees for both players would not be too dissimilar, so, with a net spend of not very much, I suspect it might clear the way for a full on assault for Gareth Bale.
Prepare for a £70m Bale offer in the coming days.
With Xavi nearing the end of his Barca career, another season guaranteed but what after that?
Fabregas was bought as part of the succession strategy to replace Xavi.
Iniesta looks set for at least another 2 seasons at Camp Nou. It's not as if Barcelona are flush with midfield creative talent outside these three.
So, given recent pronouncements by the club - "He's not for sale", and the player "I want to stay at Camp Nou", the only reason the club might cash in is if they were to sign a replacement for Cesc. A replacement who is better than him.
I know that his performances have disappointed Barca fans and commentators alike since his transfer in 2011. Nonetheless, I believe the club will only sell, if they are absolutely certain of getting someone more effective. Clearly this is possible given their pulling power.
If United do sign him for say circa £32m, he'd represent a decent signing and almost certainly Rooney at the swamp would be a thing of the past. The fees for both players would not be too dissimilar, so, with a net spend of not very much, I suspect it might clear the way for a full on assault for Gareth Bale.
Prepare for a £70m Bale offer in the coming days.
