Grading Barcelona’s Transfer window

Barcelona were a major player in the summer transfer market by virtue of being involved in the Neymar saga. Let’s look at how the Catalans ended up following a tumultuous summer.

IN: Ousmane Dembele ($120 million), Paulinho ($48 million), Nelson Semedo ($37million), Gerard Deulofeu ($15 million)

OUT: Neymar ($260 million), Cristian Tello ($5 million), Jeremy Mathieu (free)

By all accounts Neymar’s move to Paris Saint-Germain was the biggest bang in the summer transfer market. The move was somewhat surprising considering he left for a lesser league and passed on the opportunity to continue playing alongside one of, if not the, greatest ever player in Lionel Messi, as well as a world class striker in Luis Suarez. Factor in the exorbitant buyout clause along with the doubling of the salary and the chance to be the top billing attraction and it all starts to make (some) sense. After an entire July month of “on again, off again” transfer saga and going along with the team on the U.S. tour, Neymar’s departure left a gaping hole in Barcelona’s attacking ranks.

With their coffers full following Neymar’s departure, the Catalans scrambled to replace the Brazilian star — or at least attempt to mitigate the impact of his departure, as truly “replace” they never could.

Gerard Deulofeu came first, a month before Neymar’s departure, as part of a timid attempt to add some talent in the attacking midfielders ranks. This move can be construed as Barcelona’s recalling one of their former La Masia prodigies.

Nelson Semedo was signed in mid-July in what could turn out to be the smartest, most useful move of the summer. By all accounts Ernesto Valverdo prefers a conventional four-man backline where a traditional right-back can acquit himself of tracking down opposing wing players as well contributing to the offense. Semedo does seem to fit the bill and is widely considered one of the most promising young right-backs in the world.

After Neymar’s departure, Barcelona entered full panic mode. There were purported rumors of $150 million fees for the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele. Both of these players became unsettled at their clubs and it appeared that Barca were on their way to making a major splurge.

In the meantime, club president Josep Bartomeu looked to the Chinese Super League and brought on former Tottenham man Paulinho. The Brazilian midfielder came at a hefty price for someone plying their trade in China. He may fit well into new Valverde’s plans, and could be the heir apparent to Sergi Busquets’ role as defensive midfielder, but nevertheless this was a somewhat surprising signing, by virtue of it not addressing the team’s biggest needs — a world class attacking midfielder and a competent center-back.

On Aug. 25, Barcelona announced they had reached a deal with Borussia Dortmund over the transfer of Ousmane Dembele. By all accounts this is Barcelona’s big splash of the summer to the tune of $125 million, the club’s highest ever transfer fee. Dembele has youth and talent on his side, although it is very much uncertain how he will react under the scrutiny and spotlights of the Nou Camp. His unveiling ceremony has gone viral for all the wrong reasons, as the young Frenchman looked like a Sunday league amateur trying to juggle the ball.  Expecting Dembele to quickly fill in Neymar’s shoes would be unfair to all parties involved.

The bigger overarching issue at Barcelona is the lack of a coherent player transfer strategy.

It is not clear who is truly in charge of the direction of the club; there are constant rumors of various players coming and going to and from the club, without a true vision in place to prepare the team for a transition from the Messi era. In the team’s first couple of games, including the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid the most glaring need proved to be the lack of a competent center-back. Pique was absolutely roasted a few times, and the wear and tear of the last eight years could not be more obvious. Barcelona absolutely failed to address this issue, and not just this summer, opting instead to focus on flash and brand names, which may help in selling jerseys, but will ultimately contribute to the downfall of the club.

Their failure to keep Neymar at the club, bring a competent center-back and resign Messi to a long term deal makes up for quite a dismal summer transfer story.

GRADE: C