Lewandowski, Raphinha, Dembele – Barcelona’s attack is the most stacked in world football
Robin Bairner
- 14 Jul 2022 08:44 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona are set to end the transfer window with the most stacked attacking options of any club in world football.
Despite their financial issues, which have led to them selling off a portion of key assets such as television revenue and merchandising rights, Barca have been determined to spend big in the transfer market.
Raphinha is set to arrive for around €66 million all in from Leeds – although only €58m of this will be paid as an up-front fee – while it is anticipated that Robert Lewandowski will complete his long-awaited transfer from Bayern Munich. This is set to cost Barca in the region of €50m.
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Putting aside the possible long-term implications for the club and the debate as to whether these signings are actually required or even wise, it is clear that Barcelona will have offensive strength in depth next season that will be the envy of any other club in world football.
Barcelona's incredible attacking options
Lewandowski will be the showpiece of this attacking line. The Poland international turns 34 in mid-August but has been the most prolific player in world football over the past three seasons in the Bundesliga.
Supporting him in the centre-forward role will be Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who arrived from Arsenal in January, and Netherlands striker Memphis Depay. Both can also operate in wider areas. Beyond them is Martin Braithwaite, a Denmark international who is a veteran of 60 matches for his country. He is, however, expendable and is available on the transfer market. Finding a buy may not prove easy, though.
In the wide areas, Barcelona are equally blessed with options. Raphinha, of course, is the star new arrival, but they also have Ferran Torres, a big-money January arrival from Manchester City. These players will do battle for a starting berth.
And then there are wingers Ansu Fati, rightly regarded as a superstar in the making, and Ousmane Dembele, who finished last season as La Liga’s leading assist maker, despite missing around half the season because of injury.
Barcelona may still have their problems – but with this collection of eight forwards, their attack is not one of these.
