Piqué's old shade goes viral: “Real Madrid is a year without winning and...”
Various sets of fans reflect on the October 2021 statements of the FC Barcelona center-back in which he compared the modus operandi in the transfer market of Real Madrid and Barcelona.
FC Barcelona is certainly one of the protagonists of this 2022 summer transfer market. The Blaugranas have been through a rather challenging few years both in sporting and institutional terms. Now, in the mix of both, they are finding solutions that allow them to attract reinforcements that they expect will also let them compete at the top table once again.
What did Piqué say about Madrid transfer policy?
From Pablo Torre, Kessie, Christensen and Clásico-winnner Raphinha as well as one of the hottest strikers around in Robert Lewandowski and the much sought after Jules Koundé, big moves have raised eyebrows around Europe and beyond. And while debt questions continue, Barça justify it all with explanations of their economic levers that are being pulled (operations, business deals and sales that bring in large revenues), rivals view the this with some suspicion, knowing the difficult financial situation that the Catalan club is going through.
Given the great investment that Barcelona is making, the social media ‘burn’ between culés and detractors has led some to recall some statements by Gerard Piqué in October 2021, in which he compared the contrasting styles in the transfer market between Barcelona and Real Madrid. It’s worth noting that Los Blancos, following a LaLiga and Champions League double, have also invested a decent amount in signing Tchouameni and Rüdiger, but far fewer deals than the Catalans.
“Madrid in a year without winning titles and spends 160 million on three players: Illarramendi, Isco and Bale,” Piqué's message read. “Barcelona cannot do that.
“We know that we are different because we can compete with them without having to spend that money. Obviously, we can sign Neymar for 60 or 70 million, but not three or four players,” assured the player, who’s club has already closed five signings for an approximate value of more than 150 million euros. And more could still arrive.
“We are not a poor club, but we are competing with the richest club of all,” he added, pointing out the difference in resources between the two eternal rivals, although now it is the Blaugrana who are investing the most in a market pressured by a necessary revitalisation in the playing staff as they aim to return to competing for everything.