Barcelona has been going through a tough time recently, suffering three consecutive home defeats and plummeting down to third place in the league table, with their title hopes taking a sharp turn for the worse. This has left Barcelona in urgent need of rebuilding, and they are not wasting any time in making significant moves. First, there are reports that they have reached a preliminary agreement with a Premier League striker who scored an impressive 40 goals in a single season, and this powerful forward is set to join the Camp Nou. Following this, the calls for the return of former Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi are growing louder, with Barcelona showing determination to bring him back, and head coach Hansi Flick expressing his admiration for Messi.
Looking at Barcelona's current squad, it appears to be quite impressive on paper, but there are underlying issues. Injuries have plagued the team, with many key players getting injured one after another, leading to more absences from matches and disrupting the team's tactical arrangements, resulting in inconsistent performances.
The offensive end is particularly problematic, with over-reliance on young star Ansu Fati becoming increasingly evident. If he is not in top form or suffers an injury, coupled with Rafinha's continued slump, the team's attacking power quickly diminishes. Even a top scorer like Robert Lewandowski, with his excellent shooting skills, finds himself in a difficult position due to lack of support.
In this challenging situation, Barcelona has taken decisive action by focusing on Marcus Rashford, the Premier League forward who can create 40 goals in a single season. Despite his recent struggles and limited playing time under a new manager, Barcelona sees his potential.
According to The Athletic, Barcelona and Rashford have reached a preliminary agreement, with the club planning to sign him on a two-year contract, hoping he can provide depth and support alongside Fati.
Turning to Messi, the former king of Camp Nou, his departure seems to have left a void in the team. With rumors of Messi joining Manchester City on loan circulating, the longing for him among Barcelona's management and fans has intensified. Coach Flick does not hesitate to praise Messi, believing that his return would be a significant boost for the team.
For Messi, if Barcelona shows genuine sincerity, it could still be the "home" he longs for. Moreover, returning to La Liga before the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico would allow him to maintain his form, making it a win-win plan.
Additionally, Barcelona plans to spend a massive 100 million euros on transfers next year, demonstrating their commitment to rebuilding. Fans are divided in their opinions, with some eagerly anticipating the potential impact of Rashford finding his form and Messi's return, while others worry about the new signings adapting and Messi not being as effective as before.
If Rashford can replicate his Premier League heroics in La Liga, scoring 40 goals in a season and forming a formidable partnership with Lewandowski, Barcelona's attack will be fearsome. Adding Messi's experience, technique, and leadership as a free-roaming forward could significantly enhance the team's fighting spirit, reigniting the atmosphere at Camp Nou. With Flick leading such a formidable squad against Real Madrid for the title, it seems there is real hope for success. What do you think?