Even though the upcoming presidential elections have taken centre stage in recent days, FC Barcelona are continuing their planning for the summer transfer window and next season. One of the major decisions that has been made is to sign a top-level new centre-forward to bolster the attacking unit for next season. Names ranging from Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid to Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus have been touted as potential targets for the role.
As far as La Liga is concerned, Barcelona are currently at the top of the table, one point ahead of rivals Real Madrid, who face a tricky test away to Valencia on Sunday. So, the game against Mallorca today provides Hansi Flick & co. with an excellent chance to strengthen their grip at the top of the standings and put pressure on the Spanish capital club.
"Hansi Flick will be my coach, but Deco will not be my sporting director. We will make the structure fit better with Hansi Flick," he began. "We will ensure there isn't a figure like Alejandro Echevarria, who holds no official position yet exerts influence. Deco is a trusted appointment of Laporta and Alejandro Echevarria," he added on Laporta's known close aide.
The picture at FC Barcelona is optimistic as the club finds a stronger grip on its finances. Morningstar DBRS recently confirmed the club's credit rating at BBB with a positive outlook, a nod to the progress Barça has made in cost control, commercial expansion, and matchday revenue. The commercial side has done very well for the Catalan club, indeed. Barça Licensing & Merchandising (BLM) has helped the club reach new markets, while sponsorship income hit a record 259 million euros last season and merchandising pulled in 170 million, fueled in part by a 55 percent jump in e-commerce sales. Big deals, including the new Nike agreement, have reinforced Barcelona's ability to generate income.
Despite their up and down performances at times this season, Barcelona have full confidence in both Balde and Kounde as the team's starting full-backs, sources tell Barça Universal exclusively. So far this term, Kounde has played 34 matches in all competitions, registering three goals and two assists in the process. While his partnership with Lamine Yamal going forward remains strong, the French international's issues have been on the defensive side - poor positioning and struggles in 1v1 duels have become recurring themes.
