FC Barcelona: Robert Lewandowski in criticism, Ousmane Dembélé cuts the gap and Ilkay Gündogan gives hope

With Ousmane Dembélé, an important player in attack has left the team. Above all, however, are the financial problems.

The sticky Catalans can only cook into oblivion on the transfer market. In view of the world title, however, the fans expect further success. Even in the Champions League, where they said goodbye in last year’s group stage.

There is a glimmer of hope: new signing Ilkay Gündogan not only brings plenty of experience to the young midfield but also the self-confidence of a treble winner.

Robert Lewandowski had imagined the start of the new season differently. Not surprisingly, after the draw at the start, the Pole was at the center of criticism.

Even in the previous season, the Spanish media landscape was rarely kind to Lewandowski in goalless matches. AS Madrid rated the striker’s performance as “nothing but desperation” in April. Even the Barcelona newspaper “Sport” summarized at the time that Lewandowski “didn’t take part in the match” and had “much less influence than in the first third of the season”.

However, the 34-year-old made a major contribution to the first league since 2019 with his league goals (23 in 34 games) last season, but football pundit Gary Lineker also recently made a grim prediction in ‘Sport Bild’ : “If “Speaking of nine, Lewandowski is slowly reaching the end of his era. He’s been in the top nine for a number of years.” Lineker, on the other hand, counted Bayern newcomer Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé among the best strikers of the moment.

At least the Catalans’ bill should be happy: PSG transferred 50 million euros to Barcelona. In addition, Dembélé’s handsome salary of an alleged 16 million euros a year is eliminated. On the sporting level, however, they are still looking for a replacement.

Fans can look forward to a genuine treble: Ilkay Gündogan arrived on a free transfer from Manchester City. The 32-year-old can certainly be described as the King’s previous transfer this summer.

After the farewell of captain Sergio Busquets, the very young and extremely talented Barça center around Gavi (19) and Pedri (20) can benefit from the experience and leadership quality of Gündogan.

The German international has already made his Barça debut against Getafe, albeit on the rather unfamiliar left wing in midfield. In the course of the season, however, Gündogan will probably play more centrally again. There are the great strengths of him.

The focus at FC Barcelona continues to be finance. Indebted Catalans don’t have much market margin. Sporting expectations remain high in the top club.

Especially after the championship title the previous season, the fans and club officials will have a lot of hope from coach Xavi and his team. The embarrassment of the previous season in the premier class should also be forgotten as soon as possible.

It is also necessary to compensate for the departure of a longtime top performer: Sergio Busquets left the club after 15 years and followed Lionel Messi to Inter Miami. Oriel Romeu has been signed for the former Catalans captain. Xavi is enthusiastic about the 31-year-old in preparation: “I am convinced that he will be a good replacement for Busquets. He has leadership qualities and is good at communicating. For me he is a great signing”.

With the former professional Deco (at Barça from 2004 to 2008), a new sporting director will take over from September. The 45-year-old succeeds Mateu Alemany, who will leave the club at his request at the end of the transfer window. Xavi is enthusiastic about this change: “I’ve had an excellent relationship with Deco since we were teammates. He’s a footballer, he knows the transfer market and he’s a leader.”

Overall, there are few changes on the pitch at Barcelona, ​​but they are certainly important. With Gündogan, a strong leader joins the team. Lewandowski in attack and Marc-André ter Stegen in goal form an experienced axis for the Catalans with the new signing.

A veteran himself, Romeu is set to replace the rock Busquets captain and midfield and has the full confidence of Xavi. The young talents around Gavi, Pedri, Ansu Fati or the only 16-year-old jewel Lamine Yamal also give hope for the future.