A second place finish in the Spanish league has never been a sign of success for Barcelona, but last term it was.
2021/22 was a campaign of two halves in Catalonia. Under Ronald Koeman, Barcelona suffered a poor first half, but when former playing legend Xavi took over as head coach last winter, the Blaugrana immediately regained some pride and confidence.
But winning the La Liga title will take more than a boost in morale and the head coach will be asking the club’s money men to dig deep as the title is his clear priority.
And the club might have an unexpected opportunity to invest as reports emerged on Thursday suggesting that Paris Saint-Germain are prepared to offer Neymar to the Catalans at a cut-price fee.
The Brazilian star left the Camp Nou in 2017 after four successful seasons with Barca, winning a Champions League, two La Liga titles, and three Copa del Reys. Of course, he has continued to pick up silverware in Paris, but he might be willing to move back to the more competitive La Liga, according to reports.
Neymar is still contracted to the French club for another three years, but PSG may be willing to offload the 30-year-old with a price of £43-M being discussed. Barcelona is the player’s preferred destination if he does move and, if this deal comes off, it will be the biggest La Liga 2022 news of the summer so far.
The club continues its efforts to sign Bayern Munich’s wantaway striker Robert Lewandowski, and if the two megastars were to link up at the Camp Nou, that would be a huge boost to the Blaugrana fans.
At the other end of the pitch, Barcelona seem to be making progress in their attempt to sign 23-year-old Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.
With Gerard Pique now 35, Xavi needs a long-term partner for Ronald Araujo who had an impressive breakthrough season in 2021/22 which made him one of the SBOTOP defenders of the season, and Kounde would be the perfect fit.
Premier League club Chelsea are looking to strengthen in defence too and they will provide competition for Kounde’s signature. But Barcelona believe they have an advantage in the race as club president Joan Laporta has an excellent relationship with Sevilla. Kounde is yet to speak to Chelsea and is reported to be waiting for a deal with the Blaugrana to be settled.
The French defender is valued at around €70-M, which would be a big chunk of Barca’s war chest and they may look to negotiate a player plus cash deal, with wing-back Sergino Dest the likely makeweight as a long-term replacement for Sevilla’s Jesus Navas.
Barca aim to keep hold of their brightest stars
Since the departure of Lionel Messi to Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona have been looking for a way to replace the great man, which is pretty near impossible. But whisper it quietly, they have potentially another world beater.
Gavi burst on to the Spanish and European scene last season and the two biggest clubs in England have been eager to tempt him to move. Manchester City and Liverpool are both very keen on the young star, but he may be happy to avoid the lure of the Premier League if Barca can extend his current deal which expires in 2023.
Club bosses are working hard on a new agreement and Gavi’s agent Ivan de la Pena has been in constant contact with Barca over the past few days.
And the Catalans have received another boost this week with the news that striker Ousmane Dembele is about to make a U-turn and sign a new deal to stay at the Camp Nou. The English press have linked the France star with Chelsea, but if Dembele agrees to stay with Barca, that would be a double blow to the London giants.
The Spanish press believe the out-of-contract star is now ready to sign the deal which has been on the table for months after improving dramatically under Xavi in the second half of the season. If Barca can keep hold of Gavi and Dembele, then it would be a good week’s work and the 2022/23 La Liga 2022 betting odds will take notice.
Meanwhile, the future of Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong remains in the balance. Manchester United have been in pursuit of the player since the close season began, but there seems to be some way to go before a deal is agreed.
The Catalans have already rejected one bid and the Red Devils must be starting to wonder whether they can get this one over the line as they are unable to offer Champions League football.
De Jong may yet stay at the Camp Nou.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
