How do Barcelona rebuild?

[Sarni]

Barca's situation is a proper mess, though. They fielded their eldest line up in CL history (around 30 years old on average) and most of those players are a) finished and b) on lasting, expensive contracts. Pique is 33 and has 2 years left, Alba 31 and has 4, Busquets 32 and 3, Rakitic 32 and 1, Vidal 33 and 1, Griezmann 29 and 4, Suarez 33 and 1. 30 year old Pjanic is coming in with another 3 year contract as far as I know. At the same time, >70% of their revenue go into wages (50% is a good ratio) meaning that they have few leeway for new signing. Oh and Corona apparently ate their cash reserves so that they even had to see through the Arthur/Pjanic trickery.

Those players have no real market. Forget transfer fees, probably no club will be willing to cover their wages at this point. They're in a terrible starting situation for a rebuild. Should've spared themselves the last round of extensions and instead tried to sign young replacements. Their only hope is La Masia producing jewels like Puig and Fati.

They are but all those contracts don't run for that long. As long as they offer them to clubs without transfer fee or at low fees, they will be able to find buyers for most of them too - some in Italy, some in France, some in China/US. Their lack of young talent is worrying but they seem to have good academy, they have access to almost all Spain-based players who don't play for Real or Atletico at relatively low fees, they can find money when they need it too. They will probably spend north of €500m over next 3 years too, from some random bank loans. They probably don't care if they put themselves €1bn in debt either as they're Barcelona and nothing bad can happen to them.

 

[trims]

Andre gomes 35m +20m add ons
Turan 34mill
Alcacer 30mill
Arthur 31mill
Malcom 41mill
Neto 26 mill
Alexis vidal + Digne + Delafou + Mina 60 mill

Since winning the treble in 2015 they've spent almost 1B euros with add ons. Against Bayern, only players that makeup 141 mill of that amount were used. They have been massively screwing up recruitment in the last 5 years.

 

[Sarni]

Andre gomes 35m +20m add ons
Turan 34mill
Alcacer 30mill
Arthur 31mill
Malcom 41mill
Neto 26 mill
Alexis vidal + Digne + Delafou + Mina 60 mill

Since winning the treble in 2015 they've spent almost 1B euros with add ons. Against Bayern, only players that makeup 141 mill of that amount were used. They have been massively screwing up recruitment in the last 5 years.

Even when you look at that list, they got their money back for Malcom, made a profit on Arthur and Digne, almost got money back for Gomes and Alcacer and got some money back for Vidal. That's why I don't think they'll demise will last too long - they have almost unlimited access to decent players at a good fee, and even when they don't work out they sell them for same money. Their big transfers have been poor, and their salary structure is bad but when they start hitting on those mid-tier transfers they'll be back to the top in no time simply because they can attract more players than any other team in the world other than maybe Real Madrid (and I think they can attract even more than Real too).

 

[BlackShark_80]

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[DevilRed]

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They have had some real shockers appointing managers in the past few years.

 

[Zehner]

They are but all those contracts don't run for that long. As long as they offer them to clubs without transfer fee or at low fees, they will be able to find buyers for most of them too - some in Italy, some in France, some in China/US. Their lack of young talent is worrying but they seem to have good academy, they have access to almost all Spain-based players who don't play for Real or Atletico at relatively low fees, they can find money when they need it too. They will probably spend north of €500m over next 3 years too, from some random bank loans. They probably don't care if they put themselves €1bn in debt either as they're Barcelona and nothing bad can happen to them.

Sure, but it'll take them at least 2-3 years to get rid of all those liabilities. Depending on how many players they can sell, they can make a few purchases but due to the situation they're currently finding themselves in, they'll have no other choice than trusting at least some of those seasoned players, limiting their possibilities to rebuild. They're also in dire need of additions, not only replacements. The Griezmann signing was a real idiocy since he's got no place in the team as long as Messi and Suarez play. Their personnel in the offense is so scarce and one limited that they can either play Dembele (always injured), Griezmann (wrong position) or Fati (17 years old) on the left wing.

They really fecked up this time. Realistically speaking, they'd need at least two seasons to get rid of the dead wood and then another two transfer windows to optimize the squad.
You can never rule out that a team like Barca accomplishes something but to really sort out all those issues and then assemble a new team, it'll take them at least five years. Compare that to Madrid's long term plan involving Vinicius, Rodrygo, Ödegaard, Reinier, Militao, Reguilon, Valverde, Ceballos, Jovic, Asensio, etc. and it's really embarrassing for Barca.

 

[Sarni]

Sure, but it'll take them at least 2-3 years to get rid of all those liabilities. Depending on how many players they can sell, they can make a few purchases but due to the situation they're currently finding themselves in, they'll have no other choice than trusting at least some of those seasoned players, limiting their possibilities to rebuild. They're also in dire need of additions, not only replacements. The Griezmann signing was a real idiocy since he's got no place in the team as long as Messi and Suarez play. Their personnel in the offense is so scarce and one limited that they can either play Dembele (always injured), Griezmann (wrong position) or Fati (17 years old) on the left wing.

They really fecked up this time. Realistically speaking, they'd need at least two seasons to get rid of the dead wood and then another two transfer windows to optimize the squad.
You can never rule out that a team like Barca accomplishes something but to really sort out all those issues and then assemble a new team, it'll take them at least five years. Compare that to Madrid's long term plan involving Vinicius, Rodrygo, Ödegaard, Reinier, Militao, Reguilon, Valverde, Ceballos, Jovic, Asensio, etc. and it's really embarrassing for Barca.

Two seasons sounds right. Maybe three, or four to have a proper good team again but as I said, it will be rather swift and they'll be reasonably competitive in the meantime (top 3 in the league, out of group stages in CL). It'll be nothing like United or Milan because it's actually quite difficult to be so inept at rebuilding when you are a top 10 European powerhouse.

 

[sun_tzu]

You can never rule out that a team like Barca accomplishes something but to really sort out all those issues and then assemble a new team, it'll take them at least five years. Compare that to Madrid's long term plan involving Vinicius, Rodrygo, Ödegaard, Reinier, Militao, Reguilon, Valverde, Ceballos, Jovic, Asensio, etc. and it's really embarrassing for Barca.

Madrid have a genuinely exceptional amount of young talent there (they of course had hakimi, and theo hernandez as well till they wanted opportunities elsewhere) and I'd add kubo in for real as he looks a big talent as well.

That said barca do have some reasons to be optimistic such as Moriba, fati, pedri, trincao, puig and de jong plus who knows perhaps a new manager and a run of games can get dembele playing well again

Not all the barca (or real) prospects will fulfill their potential but
....................puig..............
........de jong.......moriba.....
Trincao........fati..........pedri

Is a lot talent and if half of them fulfill their potential then thats the basis of a solid team

 

[Robertd0803]

Hopefully they dont and continue to fall apart.

My own dislike of them aside this isnt going to be a overnight repair job. From top to bottom the whole club needs a rehaul and that takes time. You can see from us and AC Milan(and disgusts me to say it but Liverpool) how time is needed for these things and sometimes thats not even enough. Rivals dont stand still unfortunatley.

New President/DoF/Manager/fire sale and new players all fit the bill on paper but not remotley feasible in reality all.at once.

Anyway its their own doing so off with them.

 

[trims]

Even when you look at that list, they got their money back for Malcom, made a profit on Arthur and Digne, almost got money back for Gomes and Alcacer and got some money back for Vidal. That's why I don't think they'll demise will last too long - they have almost unlimited access to decent players at a good fee, and even when they don't work out they sell them for same money. Their big transfers have been poor, and their salary structure is bad but when they start hitting on those mid-tier transfers they'll be back to the top in no time simply because they can attract more players than any other team in the world other than maybe Real Madrid (and I think they can attract even more than Real too).

True, they did recoup a lot of the money they spent. However, that's not enough as they wasted 5 years messing up transfers where they had prime Messi in addition to Suarez, Neymar, Iniesta alba, Pique etc. They weren't able to win a single CL as result and the league titles they won especially in 2018 and 2019 were pretty much a one show by Messi. It isn't a surprise that the season Messi struggled with injuries they failed to win it.

 

[RoyH1]

They have lots of problems going forward no doubt. Big debt. Lots of old players on huge contracts. It is not an easy fix and they will not sniff a CL win in some years for sure.

But a big advantage those big Spanish clubs have going forward is that they are owned by it's members and have to hold election to elect their presidents. Even when your club has been as mismanaged and led as badly Bartomeu has done in Barcelona, you have the chance to get rid of him, his entire board and his front office staff in one go. And yes, the problem would still be there but you'd get someone more competent to try to fix it.
That is something that a club like Milan didn't have the luxury of.

 

[GenZRed]

I think the intense dislike for Barcelona that some posters have aired is unwarranted. I get they beat us in 2 CL finals but they are a club with a great history and traditions not too dissimilar from our own. If there is one club in Spain that deserves to be hated, it is Real Madrid. Real Madrid always poach our best players and their fans are toxic and in generals brats.

If it is about the 'play-acting' seen by some of their players over the years well yes the squad at the time should be looked down on, sinc ethere's no doubt they were complicit, even if not every individual partook in such antics. As we have seen over the years so foolishness is seen all over Spainish football and some Premier League players have also played their part.

Anyway, if one wnats to hate Barcelona, or any club for that matter than that is obviously and individual choice, even one I disagree with.

 

[Johnny Love]

I don't think they need a big revolution, especially while Messi is still there. All they need is to sell a few players and address a few key weaknesses. All they did the last 4 years is splash record amount of cash into players that either didn't fit their play style or that didn't address any of their weaknesses. I don't know how they spent all that money without buying a proper cb or adding pace up front for example. Whoever was in charge of transfers is who is responsible and is a total fail. Just get a proper manager that can influence that pathetic board of executives they have in place.

 

[ThierryHenry14]

it is just an end of an era and the start of a rebuild cycle. It happened before Ronaldino joined them in 2003. Barcelona will be fine. It is a club always attracts the biggest talent from south america.

 

[One Night Only]

Buy Lingard to replace Messi, simple really.

 

[Piratesoup]

Buy Lingard to replace Messi, simple really.

Straight up swap

 

[Xaviboy]

Koeman's is best just trying to get in as many of the young Dutch players he had with national team. They were good to watch. Already has De Jong there so build around him. De Jong might get the holding role now instead Busquests. Did they sign Pjanic?

 

[KirkDuyt]

Koeman will surely do well. I mean, he scored that free kick for them in '92. Who cares that his defensive minded football doesnt fit with them at all.

A much more interesting bit of news. Wenger has applied as his replacement at the Dutch national team. I wouldnt mind that at all.

 

[ivaldo]

I think the intense dislike for Barcelona that some posters have aired is unwarranted. I get they beat us in 2 CL finals but they are a club with a great history and traditions not too dissimilar from our own. If there is one club in Spain that deserves to be hated, it is Real Madrid. Real Madrid always poach our best players and their fans are toxic and in generals brats.

If it is about the 'play-acting' seen by some of their players over the years well yes the squad at the time should be looked down on, sinc ethere's no doubt they were complicit, even if not every individual partook in such antics. As we have seen over the years so foolishness is seen all over Spainish football and some Premier League players have also played their part.

Anyway, if one wnats to hate Barcelona, or any club for that matter than that is obviously and individual choice, even one I disagree with.

...

 

[Schneckerl]

They might not challenge for the CL anytime soon, but even with a full rebuild, I don't see them doing a Milan/Utd and dropping out of CL spots consistently.

 

[Infordin]

They might not challenge for the CL anytime soon, but even with a full rebuild, I don't see them doing a Milan/Utd and dropping out of CL spots consistently.

The big difference between Barca/United and Milan is that Barca/United have an annual revenue of around 700m while Milan has a revenue of 250m.

Money makes all the difference.

Yes you can spend it like a moron (Barto is an expert and Woody is not far behind), but as long as you have money you’ll get it right eventually.

 

[carvajal]

Bartomeu has decided to keep Abidal despite some of the board members didn't want. More good news

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[FootballHQ]

I can see most posters are too young (or too old?) to remember the hole Barca was in during 2000-2003 just to win a UCL in 2006.

The signing of Ronaldinho basically just changed the whole culture of the club overnight. Laporta came in and gave a fresh outlook after the tired old ways of Nunez/Gaspart and they signed other good players around the time like Rafa Marquez, Abidal, Deco, Eto'o who all played big parts in that 2006 win.

Interesting that Rivaldo in that 99-2002 period was winning Balon d'ors and as key to the team as Messi was although he obviously didn't have the cult following. Barca released him on a free to AC Milan six months before Ronaldinho came in, think he was only 20 at the time although he declined pretty quickly from that point.

 

[Lay]

The signing of Ronaldinho basically just changed the whole culture of the club overnight. Laporta came in and gave a fresh outlook after the tired old ways of Nunez/Gaspart and they signed other good players around the time like Rafa Marquez, Abidal, Deco, Eto'o who all played big parts in that 2006 win.

Interesting that Rivaldo in that 99-2002 period was winning Balon d'ors and as key to the team as Messi was although he obviously didn't have the cult following. Barca released him on a free to AC Milan six months before Ronaldinho came in, think he was only 20 at the time although he declined pretty quickly from that point.

Ronaldinho and David’s (with puyol being a one man army in defence) really propelled them back. The 2006 team didn’t have Xavi in the CL final and Iniesta didn’t start (changed the game when he came on though). That was a really enjoyable side

 

[FootballHQ]

Ronaldinho and David’s (with puyol being a one man army in defence) really propelled them back. The 2006 team didn’t have Xavi in the CL final and Iniesta didn’t start (changed the game when he came on though). That was a really enjoyable side

Henrik Larsson was a good squad pick up aswell. I did enjoy watching them in those times far more than now where really it's too Messi-centric and if he's not on it it's just passing around for the sake of it.

I think the one player that would really re-energise them would be Odegaard but he's out of bounds unless on of the presidential candidates just promises to do a Figo on Madrid.

 

[Johnny Love]

The signing of Ronaldinho basically just changed the whole culture of the club overnight. Laporta came in and gave a fresh outlook after the tired old ways of Nunez/Gaspart and they signed other good players around the time like Rafa Marquez, Abidal, Deco, Eto'o who all played big parts in that 2006 win.

Interesting that Rivaldo in that 99-2002 period was winning Balon d'ors and as key to the team as Messi was although he obviously didn't have the cult following. Barca released him on a free to AC Milan six months before Ronaldinho came in, think he was only 20 at the time although he declined pretty quickly from that point.

Pretty sure Rivaldo was older than that after he left Barca, like closer to 30.

 

[André Dominguez]

Ronaldinho and David’s (with puyol being a one man army in defence) really propelled them back. The 2006 team didn’t have Xavi in the CL final and Iniesta didn’t start (changed the game when he came on though). That was a really enjoyable side

Harsh. Rafa Marquez was a terrific CB, and Guardiola himself said he was one of the best defenders he ever managed.

 

[carvajal]

Agreement to terminate Abidal's contract

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[FrankDrebin]

What was Abidal's role again ?

 

[UncleBob]

The signing of Ronaldinho basically just changed the whole culture of the club overnight. Laporta came in and gave a fresh outlook after the tired old ways of Nunez/Gaspart and they signed other good players around the time like Rafa Marquez, Abidal, Deco, Eto'o who all played big parts in that 2006 win.

Interesting that Rivaldo in that 99-2002 period was winning Balon d'ors and as key to the team as Messi was although he obviously didn't have the cult following. Barca released him on a free to AC Milan six months before Ronaldinho came in, think he was only 20 at the time although he declined pretty quickly from that point.

What?

 

[UncleBob]

What was Abidal's role again ?

Annoying Messi.
Also sporting director.

 

[Xaviesta]

What was Abidal's role again ?

Director of Football.

 

[mitchmouse]

Looks like a bloodbath about to take place.... pretty much everyone up for sale. Manager gone, recruitment guy gone... rumours that Messi wants out... applointing former player favourite. Madrid fans must be giggling

 

[0le]

I don't follow the Spanish league too much but even with the players that they have at the moment, they finished second. According to wiki, the last time they were out of the Champions League was the 2003/04 season. So it appears they are more or less guaranteed CL spots. Any rebuild they carry out should therefore be significantly easier than say United or Arsenal because they can attract good players. Time will tell I guess.

 

[Bestietom]

It's going to cost more money than they have, and many years to get back to winning the Champions League again.

 

[Renegade]

Ronaldinho and David’s (with puyol being a one man army in defence) really propelled them back. The 2006 team didn’t have Xavi in the CL final and Iniesta didn’t start (changed the game when he came on though). That was a really enjoyable side

David’s was literally only there for half a season in 2003.

Barca’s rebuild won’t be as difficult as ours. They only just won the league last season and was on course for it this year but for a collapse post lockdown.

They need a new transfer commitee that’s for sure. They need to stop buying players with no idea on how they’d fit in their system.

 

[Lay]

David’s was literally only there for half a season in 2003.

Barca’s rebuild won’t be as difficult as ours. They only just won the league last season and was on course for it this year but for a collapse post lockdown.

They need a new transfer commitee that’s for sure. They need to stop buying players with no idea on how they’d fit in their system.

I know he was. But he was brilliant in those 6 months. Some even think he was the main reason for the resurgence despite only playing half a season.

 

[Black Adder]

David’s was literally only there for half a season in 2003.

Barca’s rebuild won’t be as difficult as ours. They only just won the league last season and was on course for it this year but for a collapse post lockdown.

They need a new transfer commitee that’s for sure. They need to stop buying players with no idea on how they’d fit in their system.

Yep, and when he signed Barcelona was 12th in the table but managed to finish 2nd to Valencia in the end.

 

[Renegade]

I know he was. But he was brilliant in those 6 months. Some even think he was the main reason for the resurgence despite only playing half a season.

Interesting to hear. I remember him moving there but was unaware of the impact he had to them.

 

[giorno]

I feel like davids is hilariously underrated on here for some reason. Best midfielder of his era by miles, a game and team-changer