Barcelona breathe a sigh of relief after reports emerged that FIFA have temporarily lifted their ban on the Catalans which will allow them to enter the transfer window this summer.
As reported earlier, FIFA had earlier slapped a two transfer-window ban on Barcelona for allegedly signing Under 18 international players which was against the UEFA regulations. The Catalans were forbidden to buy any new player for a period of two years along with a heavy monetary fine. In urgent need of repairs, this ban came as a huge blow to Barcelona who are very likely to finish without a trophy this season.
However following an appeal made to the Presiding football body, Barcelona have been successful in earning themselves a temporary reprieve which means that they will be able to sign new players this summer.
With Victor Valdes and Carlos Puyol calling curtains over their career at Camp Nou, along with a string of injuries, Barcelona had been left exposed this season, particularly at the back with Mascherano and Bartra forming a make-shift defence. Desperately in need of a defender, the news will provide the club with respite who were on the verge of another catastrophic season had they not been allowed to enter the summer transfer window.
This does not mean that Barcelona will be able to go scot-free over the charges imposed by FIFA. It is only a temporary reprieve and the ban might be re-imposed on the Catalans following the decision of the review committee.
However, now that the Catalans can bring in new players this summer, here are the key areas which Barcelona need to strengthen come summer.
Defence
Barcelonaai??i??s defence has been their Achilles heel for quite a few seasons and their inability to sign a quality defender last season proved to be costly after both Carlos Puyol and Gerard Pique were ruled out with injuries. Following Bartraai??i??s recent injury, the Catalans have been left exposed at the back and have paid the price for their mistake.
It seems that David Luiz has been identified as Barcelonaai??i??s primary target this summer. The Brazillian suits the style of play at Camp Nou and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Quick to read situations, he has the ability to play high up on the pitch to compliment Barcelonaai??i??s possession oriented style of play.
According to reports, they have also identified Aymeric Laporte (Athletic), Mateo Musacchio (Villarreal), IAi??igo MartAi??nez (Real Sociedad) and Fabian Schar (Basel) as possible summer targets. The Catalans are not willing to take any chances and might buy more than two defenders as they are aware that they might have to face the ban in the following years.
Goal-Keeper
Having announced his impending departure from Barcelona, Victor Valdes is sure to leave Camp Nou this summer which means that the Catalans will have to find a suitable replacement to man the posts at Camp Nou. Pinto is not a reliable permanent replacement and so far Barcelona have identified Pepe Reina, Ter Stegen, Tony Krul and Hugo Lloris as possible summer targets.
Striker
Having let go of David Villa in the hope that Pedro and Sanchez will be able to stir up some magic for Barcelona, it seems that the Catalans have now zeroed in on Sergio Aguero as a possible summer target. With Lionel Messi suffering a miserable season, it is quite clear that Barcelonaai??i??s hopes hang dearly on the Argentineai??i??s form and hence they are looking to relieve the player of his heavy burden by bringing in a renowned goal-scorer. According to reports, Sergio Aguero is being looked at as a summer target and the deal may go through given the fact that Aguero and Messi share a very close relationship together.
It now remains to be seen how the Catalans perform in the transfermarket. Though Tata Martino is likely to be replaced, his successor will be given a heavy war-chest to strengthen the Barcelona squad and bring it back to its glory days.
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