FC Barcelona is having a great season, with the Copa del Rey already in their trophy case. Although they still have La Liga and the Champions League in play, the dream of achieving a trifecta after so many years is very close.
A large part of this success is due to Hansi Flick and the collective effort of the players. Now Barça is preparing for the match against Valladolid with a notable absence: Jules Koundé.
The Impact of Koundé's Absence
Jules Koundé has become an essential piece in Barça's scheme. His performance has been key in defense, showing his quality both in the backline and in his ability to join the attack.
However, the footballer will have to be absent for a few weeks due to an injury that will keep him out of the most crucial matches. Koundé's absence in key matches: a blow to Barça's aspirations in La Liga and the Champions League
Barça, despite being in the process of consolidating their squad, will have to manage this setback and find alternatives to cover his absence. Koundé's absence tests Barça's defensive solidity against elite rivals like Madrid and in the Champions League
The Market and Defensive Renewal
Barça, aware of the importance of strengthening their defense, has set their sights on several names. However, the club is in a complicated financial situation, which limits their ability to make big signings.
One of the options that had been strongly rumored in the market was Wesley, a right-back from Flamengo. This young 21-year-old footballer has shown great performance in the Brazilian league, which has caught the attention of several European clubs.
Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal have expressed their interest in Wesley, which has left Barça behind in the race for his signing. The Catalan team, despite closely following this right-back, can't afford to make such a high investment, especially with other priorities in the transfer market.
Wesley's Future: England or Barcelona?
Wesley, a desired right-back: his 200 million euro release clause and contract until 2028 make him an attractive target for Europe's giants. However, interested clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City are looking to reach an agreement for a much lower figure, around 40-50 million euros. Despite the interest, Flamengo refuses to negotiate below the clause, complicating the signing
Barça is losing ground in the race for Wesley due to the high financial demands and the player's long contract. Additionally, the team has other priorities in terms of signings, which has distanced the Catalans from this potential addition. Thus, it seems Wesley could end up in the Premier League, following the path of other Brazilians like Estevao Willian, who joined Chelsea.