Grading the transfer window of major European clubs
The transfer merry-go-round is over and clubs have begun the settlement process. Like every window, major clubs have made some major signings that have increased the bar of expectations from the fans.Almost every big club in Europe have made at least one major signing, coupled with a relatively big expenditure. In England, the transfer activity could almost be labelled as berserk. Both Manchester clubs, especially, have made a big statement with their transfer window activities and it seems like we are in for another competitive season of Premier League.In Spain, despite a transfer ban and a treble-winning season, Barca have also improved their squad, and so have Real Madrid. The big two are considerably stronger than the others and this will be another season of Real Madrid versus Barcelona.The rest of the heavyweights—PSG, Bayern and Juventus—have also made some decent moves over the course of the summer and here is a rundown of how the heavyweights have fared this year.
#1 Barcelona - B
IN: Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal.
OUT: Pedro, Adama Traore, Gerard Deulofeu, Denis Suarez and Xavi.
One wouldn’t expect many signings after a treble-winning season, coupled with the fact that they have a transfer ban imposed on them, and Barca haven’t broken the expectation as they have signed just 2 players during the transfer window.
Even the 2 signings raised some eyebrows as they found it baffling that a club facing a transfer ban could sign players of their liking during the period of the ban.
Keeping all that aside, though, Barca have done a good job at addressing the issues that needed attention. Pedro has gone out to be replaced by Arda Turan, who is also a brilliant asset when played through the middle. Rakitic had already taken up Xavi’s mantle, so that was an already-resolved issue.
Aleix Vidal gives genuine pace on the wings and could be used as an alternate option, meant for diversity, higher up the pitch at right wing. He is also an apt replacement for Dani Alves as the Brazilian reaches the Twilight phase of his career.
But still, with just one international level central defender in Pique, one could get an eerie vibe of the squad being a bit thin—especially at the back. However, Barca did extremely well last season with just one natural center-back of international caliber, but luck favoured them in terms of injuries. And they can’t always be so lucky.