Barcelona, struggling financially, is enduring yet another chaotic summer

BARCELONA IS HAVING ANOTHER CHAOTIC SUMMER TRANSFER WINDOW, STRUGGLING FINANCIALLY AND MISSING OUT ON NICO WILLIAMS, WHILE PURSUING SAUDI SALES AND MAKING ONE SIGNIFICANT MISSTEP

Barcelona are financially constrained and haven't made significant moves in the transfer market, while their rivals continue to strengthen their squads.

We're back in familiar territory: another summer transfer window for Barcelona, full of speculation, Instagram rumors, and the usual comments from their outspoken president, Joan Laporta. Sound familiar?

Remarkably, it's been two years since Laporta embarked on his risky financial maneuvers, sacrificing the club’s future finances for short-term gains. If the goal was immediate success and avoiding financial collapse, it worked. Barcelona won La Liga and are still operational as a sporting entity. Mission accomplished.

However, the underlying issues persist. The club’s financial situation has improved to some extent—they're no longer on the brink of disaster—but they still lack the financial clout to compete with Real Madrid and other top European clubs.

Barcelona finds themselves in a similar position as before, trying to assemble a competitive squad through budget constraints, player sales, and a struggling brand. Their efforts have often missed the mark, leaving them trailing the European elite. Although their finances are somewhat better now, it was a whirlwind of moves by Laporta two years ago, trading future revenue for immediate cash to keep the club afloat. He bet on the club’s brand and hoped that growth and success would bridge the gap eventually. Essentially, he believed Barcelona was too big to fail.

In some respects, they have avoided a crisis. They posted a net profit last year and made a January signing in Vitor Roque—though it wasn’t a particularly successful one. Still, they are far from being able to spend freely under La Liga’s strict financial rules. Laporta and league president Javier Tebas continue to exchange barbs in the media, and there’s uncertainty about whether Barcelona can afford the high-profile moves they’ve been rumored to pursue.

Over a year since Sergio Busquets left for Inter Miami, Barcelona still hasn't found a suitable replacement. While it was wise to part with the aging Busquets, replacing him has proven challenging. Despite some attempts, like pursuing Martin Zubimendi and settling for Oriol Romeu, Barcelona has struggled to address this critical need. Xavi even had to use Andreas Christensen as a makeshift defensive midfielder.

The team also lacks a true left-winger. New manager Hansi Flick might find a solution, but the current squad has no one truly effective on the left side.

Nico Williams seemed like the perfect addition. The Athletic Club winger was exceptional last season and at Euro 2024. Fast, skillful, and improving as a finisher, he seemed an ideal fit for Barcelona’s needs. Transfer speculation surrounding him has been constant, with Barcelona players publicly showing interest. Yet, like Zubimendi, Williams has pledged his future to his current club.

Raphinha, another casualty, has struggled to find his place at Camp Nou. Used inconsistently and often linked with other clubs, he has yet to make a significant impact. Despite his talent, Barcelona might be forced to sell him, as he represents one of their few potentially valuable assets.

Reflecting on this period, the chaotic end of last season—with Xavi resigning, then reaffirming his commitment, and ultimately being sacked—might be a defining symbol. Roque, an exciting Brazilian talent, epitomizes this tumultuous era. Despite Barcelona’s financial constraints, they managed to sign him, but he’s barely featured, suggesting that his signing was more about filling a gap than a strategic move.

Barcelona are reportedly close to signing Dani Olmo from RB Leipzig, a move that seems unlikely given their financial limitations and Olmo’s €60 million price tag. Moreover, Olmo might not be the best fit for Barcelona’s current needs, given their depth in attacking midfield.

In summary, Barcelona’s persistent financial struggles, hubris, and mismanagement continue to overshadow their efforts in the transfer market.