Barcelona’s Last-Minute Gambit: Xavi Eyes Lo Celso as Lenglet Holds the Key
As the clock ticks down on the summer transfer window, Barcelona’s need for a new creative force in the midfield becomes increasingly urgent. The team’s hopes were dashed recently when Bernardo Silva chose to renew his contract with Manchester City. But now, Barça manager Xavi has reportedly asked the club to make a last-ditch effort to sign Argentine midfielder Giovani Lo Celso from Tottenham Hotspur. This urgency is compounded by Pedri’s recent thigh injury, sidelining him for at least five weeks. And in a surprising twist, Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet might just be the key to unlocking this crucial move.
Why the Sudden Interest in Lo Celso?
The void left by Pedri’s injury cannot be overstated. The 20-year-old has been an integral part of Barcelona’s play, and his absence will undoubtedly affect the team’s performance. Given this predicament, Xavi is urging the Barcelona management to make a serious bid for Lo Celso. The 27-year-old Argentine, currently out of favor at Tottenham, could fill the gap nicely. With only days left in the transfer market, the timing couldn’t be more pressing.
Lenglet: The Unexpected Key to the Deal
Interestingly, Clement Lenglet, a 28-year-old defender, might be pivotal to the Lo Celso move. Despite being registered with La Liga, Lenglet seems to be more of a burden than an asset for Barcelona at the moment. The club is eager to offload him, primarily because of his high wages. His departure would free up some much-needed financial wiggle room to bring in another player. And here’s where things get interesting: Tottenham Hotspur has shown interest in Lenglet, albeit not at Barcelona’s €15 million valuation.
The Financial Balancing Act
Given Tottenham’s interest in Lenglet and their willingness to part with Lo Celso, a swap deal could be on the cards. Lenglet spent last season on loan at Tottenham, so there’s a degree of familiarity there. If Barcelona can negotiate successfully, they could kill two birds with one stone. They could offload a high-earning player they’re keen to get rid of and fill a critical gap in their midfield.
The Time Factor
With the transfer window about to close, both teams face the pressure of time. Barcelona, in particular, needs to act quickly, given Pedri’s absence and the lack of other viable options. Xavi’s call for action is both timely and urgent; a deal needs to happen, and it needs to happen soon. If Barcelona can make the numbers work and reach an agreement with Tottenham, the Catalan giants could address two pressing issues in one swift move.
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Barcelona finds itself in a precarious position as the transfer window draws to a close. With a key player injured and a significant gap in the midfield, Xavi is pushing hard for a solution. Meanwhile, Lenglet’s uncertain future at the club and Tottenham’s interest in the defender provide an unexpected avenue to facilitate the Lo Celso deal. As the hours tick away, Barcelona’s management faces a high-stakes game of financial and tactical chess. Only time will tell if they can make the right moves to strengthen their squad before the window shuts.
