Can new signings help Barcelona regain La Liga title?
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It is no secret that Barcelona are struggling financially at the moment, with Lionel Messi still technically a free agent. But can the club’s new signings bring the glory days back to Camp Nou?
Although the Catalan giants are reportedly eager to sell players this summer in order to raise funds, they have made a number of notable transfers during the off-season.
Barca won four La Liga titles in five years between 2014/15 and 2018/19 but saw Real Madrid lift the trophy in 2019/20 before Atletico Madrid triumphed last term.
Let’s analyse Barcelona’s new signings and discuss whether or not they can help the club challenge for major honours once again.
• What does Memphis Depay bring to Camp Nou?
It’s fair to say that Memphis Depay’s first big move didn’t go to plan. The Netherlands international left PSV for Manchester United in 2015 but only managed to score seven goals in 53 appearances.
But after racking up 76 goals and 55 assists across the past four years for Lyon, the 27-year-old has been given another chance to prove his worth at an elite club.
Working under former international boss Ronald Koeman, Depay has the potential to become a key player for Barca. If Koeman integrates him correctly, he could pick up where he left off in France.
• Can Sergio Aguero make an impact?
There is no doubting Sergio Aguero’s ability. Not only did the Argentine win five Premier League titles with Manchester City, but he also became the club’s all-time leading scorer – netting 260 goals.
But having recently turned 33, there is a sense that Aguero’s best days are behind him. The veteran was phased out by Pep Guardiola last season and looked past his best when called upon.
As far as free transfers go, picking up a player of Aguero’s calibre is a no-brainer. However, Barcelona have signed a player that is clearly over the hill.
• Will Eric Garcia’s return be a success?
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Eric Garcia returns to Barcelona with his whole career ahead of him. The 20-year-old left Camp Nou in 2017 but never really settled in England.
With 34-year-old Gerard Pique coming towards the end of his time at the top, Garcia is viewed by many as Pique’s long-term successor.
• Could Emerson Royal shine in Catalonia?
Barca signed Emerson Royal back in 2019, sending the Brazilian to Real Betis with a buy-back option. Two years later, the 22-year-old is back in Catalonia.
Let’s not forget that USA right-back Sergino Dest enjoyed a stellar 2020/21 campaign, though. Emerson could find it difficult to break into Koeman’s starting XI with Dest in the way.
• The verdict
Ultimately, Barcelona have made some shrewd acquisitions this summer. But with a lack of funds, they haven’t been able to bring in the superstar names the fans expect.
Looking at the long-term plan, Garcia is arguably Barca’s best signing this year. Depay and Aguero will almost certainly make some sort of impact, yet Koeman’s side are likely to struggle to regain the title.
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