Xavi Hernandez, the coach of the club, has revealed that signing Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski this summer will be difficult for his team. The Blaugrana have been heavily connected with Lewandowski in recent weeks, who has said that he would not sign a new contract at the Allianz Arena.
“One of the alternatives, one of the possibilities,” Xavi Hernandez remarked during a pre-match press conference on Saturday.
“There are talks going on, and he has one year left on his contract. It will not be simple. [President of Barcelona] Joan Laporta assured me that we would be able to strengthen the team.”
Riqui Puig, Samuel Umtiti, Oscar Mingueza, and Martin Braithwaite are among the players who could depart Barcelona at the end of the season. Xavi claims to have spoken to a number of players and will let them make their own decisions.
Xavi stated, “I’ve already spoken to the players. Now is the moment to make a choice. I’ll let everyone make their announcements in their own manner. Those who refuse to continue must be given time to find a solution. I’ve noticed a very positive attitude on everyone’s part. I don’t want to make anyone bitter, but I have made it plain that they will be happier somewhere else where they feel appreciated.”
Xavi maintains that Kylian Mbappe, who is ready to sign a new contract with Paris-Saint-Germain and reject a move to Real Madrid, was never likely to join Barcelona.
He also believes Barcelona will have sufficient funds to invest in the summer. Ask me another question. Let Mbappe do what he wants and be happy,” Xavi Hernandez said. “We are not a part of this equation. I’m not sure what you’re asking.
“We can’t afford to risk a lot of money. The state of the economy is what it is. We did not participate in the auction for [Erling] Haaland or Mbappe, but we inherited the problem.”
“There’s no point in looking back. We must progress. We must compete and win trophies once more; we must be competitive going forward. I have faith in the president that we will be able to invest in our team. We’ve devised a strategy and will attempt to carry it out. “
