New Barcelona boss Koeman identifies three key targets
Speaking on Dutch television, the new FC Barcelona head coach hopes to bring in five or six new players but has targeted three.
Ronald Koeman is now officially the new Barça head coach and the main line of questioning from the media in his presentation centred on playing staff and how the Dutch manager would handle the transition of securing exits for some of the elder statesmen and potential new player acquisition.
Despite the new manager hoping in to bring in a series of new talent, his key objectives are three players: defender Eric García, central player Van de Beek and the Argentine striker Lautaro.
Financial losses
Speaking to Dutch television network Zigoo TV, Koeman outlined his aspirations: “Big clubs are undergoing some major losses and I'm aware that it may be complex to bring in five or six new players immediately”.
Barcelona have already stated interest in the signature of Eric García. The defender worked his way through the Barça youth set-up and currently has a year outstanding on his current contract with Manchester City.
Barcelona may look to pay a fee and potentially use a player as part of an exchange deal immediately or bide their time and wait for the defender to terminate his contract with the Premier League side in June 30 2021.
Van de Beek
Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek is another player apparently on Koeman's wanted list despite the Dutch coach refusing to specifically mention any player names.
A potential arrival of Van de Beek would accelerate an exit for the likes of Busquets, Rakitic, Sergi Roberto and Arturo Vidal. Koeman will be able to count on the services of Pjanic in a midfield capacity after the deal between the Catalan side and Juventus in an operation that saw Brazilian Arthur move to Turin.
Luis Suárez's time at Camp Nou would appear to be coming to an end with Argentine marksman Lautaro heavily linked with a move to the Catalan capital. The club have already been in negotiations with Inter but Bartomeu may find that the demands being placed on the forward's signature by the Serie A side may be beyond the current financial possibilities of Barça.