Xavi has emphatically communicated that Barcelona currently cannot entertain the idea of signing high-profile players like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. The financial challenges faced by the Catalan club in recent years are well-documented, despite substantial expenditures on players such as Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres, among others.
For the 2023/24 season, Barcelona has utilized loan deals to bolster their squad as they aim to defend the La Liga title won convincingly in the previous season. While pursuing permanent signings for Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix this summer, the club acknowledges uncertainties regarding the Portuguese duo’s continuity.
The addition of Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense aims to enhance Xavi’s attacking options. However, Barcelona continues to be linked with marquee signings despite their financial constraints.
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Addressing the media before Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Las Palmas in La Liga, Xavi reiterated that the club’s delicate financial situation precludes them from pursuing sought-after players like Haaland or Mbappe.
“Erling Haaland or Mbappe? We can’t think of Haaland or Mbappe. Barcelona can’t afford these players now, unfortunately,” Xavi told reporters. “I’m content with the players I have. We are not in a privileged economic situation to do that,” he added. “I am left with the players I have, and with those players, we have to win. We have to win titles and play well because the bar is very high.”
Earlier in the week, Pedri, a Barcelona midfielder, expressed a preference for Haaland as the long-term successor to Lewandowski. However, Xavi’s remarks suggest that Roque might be the preferred option as Barcelona seeks to close the gap on Real Madrid and Girona at the top of the table. Xavi emphasized the importance of treating all players equally and demanded respect for Barcelona as the reigning champions, following their late win over Las Palmas with a penalty.