£130m and eight players later, Barcelona have been banned from signing players for the next two transfer windows. However, they still have until September 1 to reinforce as they wish and are appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The business done this summer suggests the club expected such an outcome, and if anything it will only encourage more spending in the next 10 days or so.
After a disappointing campaign last time out that ended without a trophy, Barcelona needed to revamp this summer, and that has certainly been the case. There has been a turnover in playing staff while a new Coach has come in and freshened up the squad, ready to compete at the top level again.
Two goalkeepers have been signed to address Victor Valdes' departure, arguably making the position stronger. There are now two ‘keepers – Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen – who genuinely have No.1 potential fighting it out.
In defence is where the ban could potentially hit hardest. Los Cules have brought in Thomas Vermaelen and Jeremy Mathieu to solve the defensive issues from last season and question marks have been raised over both. The injury-prone Vermaelen could prove to be shrewd business but his fitness record may leave Barca back where they started.
The pursuit of Mathieu raised eyebrows with many suggesting he isn’t of the calibre to play for a club of Barca’s level. Mainly a left-back, he appears to have been signed to play centrally but should he not be the answer to the problems, then Barca could be weak defensively.
However, if Gerard Pique finds his best form again, there will only be one slot to fight for, and with Marc Bartra rivalling Vermaelen and Mathieu for it, many clubs will be looking on enviously at Barca’s options.
There has been much talk over the future of Dani Alves but the move for Douglas seems to cover all bases. Alves is likely to have his final season at Camp Nou before Douglas, currently of Sao Paulo, takes over the right-back slot.
In midfield Barca have a wealth of talent. The likes of Sergio Busquets, Javier Mascherano, Ivan Rakitic, Xavi Hernandez and the out-of-favour Alex Song will all be options for the holding role. With this season also likely to be Xavi's last, the club may invest in the coming days to solve the position’s long-term future.
The ban will certainly not affect the club’s attacking choices, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Pedro and Andres Iniesta at their disposal. Gerard Deulofeu and Cristian Tello are due to return next summer and Barca are more than armed for the long-term.
Barca have played it perfectly so far this summer, reinforcing in all areas, and, if need be, can invest further. The club boast a wealth of options that most teams would love to have, and if the famous La Masia academy can continue producing players too, the ban is unlikely to affect a club who are ready to compete for titles again.
