According to journalist Gerard Romero, when Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez found out that Ansu and Fati Zalezulli were leaving this morning, he made a request to the management that the team needed a new striker on the roster.
The news of Ansu’s move to Brighton & Hove Albion on a season-long loan and Abdel Samad El Zalzouli’s exit to Real Betis – which is still under negotiation – appears to have caught Xavi by surprise.
Although Fati and El Zalzouli were not starters under Xavi this season, their exit would weaken the roster and leave a large gap in the team’s attacking capabilities.
Xavi recognized the urgency of addressing this issue.
There is already a need:
It’s no secret that Barcelona are close to signing Joao Felix. In fact, the sale of Ansu and El Zalzouli was only approved because there was no room for Felix in the first place.
But with the departure of two players, coupled with the fact that Ousmane Dembélé is now at Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona could find themselves in trouble.
Hence, Xavi’s request for another striker was not just a whim but a strategic move to ensure the team’s continued success in both La Liga and the Champions League.
No contracts expected
As a manager, Xavi understands that team dynamics depend not only on individual talent but also on the synergy between players.