Koeman pinpoints area Barca will strengthen - if they can find the cash

14 Aug 2021 13:10 BST
3 min read

Koeman wants Barcelona changes: Our only signing was Dest! — © ProShots

Barcelona head coach Ronald Koeman has admitted that he will try to sign a striker in the transfer window if possible.

Koeman received a massive boost on Saturday when it was announced by the club that Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay have been successfully registered to play in the season opener against Real Sociedad on Sunday.

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Previously, the club’s poor financial state meant that there was genuine doubt over the prospect, but after Gerard Pique agreed to take a pay cut, it became possible.

Barcelona, who saw Lionel Messi depart for Paris Saint-Germain, have stated that similar talks are ongoing with regards the reduction of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba’s deals, while they might also be able to ease the strain on their bank account by selling players such as Miralem Pjanic and Samuel Umtiti.

Koeman hopeful on Barca signings

For this reason, Koeman spoke optimistically about adding to his ranks in the light of an injury sustained by another new arrival, Sergio Aguero, who is set to miss 10 weeks.

“It’s true that looking at the team’s positions, we’re currently lacking people at the top,” he told the media. “What we have up front is short and that is why we have talked about being able to sign a forward.

What we have up front is short and that is why we have talked about being able to sign a forward

- Ronald Koeman

“It suits us because we have different strikers but to have more competition would be good. But it all depends on whether we can sign.

“Every coach has areas he wants to improve, but it all depends on Financial Fair Play. If it’s possible, we will sign a striker up.”

So far this summer, Koeman has been forced to work almost exclusively on the free transfer market, with Aguero, Memphis and Garcia all arriving after their contracts with their previous employers had expired.

Barcelona had been threatening to go into their Sunday fixture against Real Sociedad in a crisis-hit state, though the news that both Memphis and Garcia will be available for that clash brings a welcome boost to the club.