Barcelona Turns To Promising New Signings Amid Neymar Transfer Talks

Barcelona has pulled off a different rebuilding approach as Neymar transfer talks are still reportedly being worked out.

Certain changes are set to happen at Camp Nou in the next transfer window as the club aims to bring players up from the academy in an attempt to recover financially. There have been rumors swirling that Ivan Rakitic and Umtiti are likely to part ways with Barca. Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez, on the other hand, is reportedly keen on joining Lionel Messi, but the biggest name currently being linked to Barcelona is still Neymar.

However, as Neymar’s possible return is still being sorted out, Barcelona has decided to pick two new signings from the club’s own academy.

According to Diario Sport (via Football Espana), Barcelona is planning to start utilizing some fresh legs from the academy a bit more. In recent years, the La Liga giants have received criticisms for not using them often enough. But now that the coronavirus pandemic could cause them financial losses, Barcelona is believed to be forced to turn to some of their academy’s promising talents.

Two names are already mentioned in the paper -- Alena and Riqui Puig. Barcelona is said to be all-in with the idea of Puig moving straight into the first team. The 20-year-old made his La Liga debut on April 13 last year, but he made his senior team debut with first team against Cultural Leonesa in a 4–1 home victory in the Copa Del Rey in December 2018. Puig cheked in on the 55th minute and provided an assist for the fourth goal.

Alena on the other hand, is currently on loan at Real Betis until the end of the campaign. Reports claimed that less playing time under former boss Ernesto Valverde forced the 22-year-old La Masia youth graduate to make the decision.

Last season, Alena made 27 first-team appearances for Barcelona after being promoted from their B team. However, he has started in only two games this season after the opening day of the campaign. Alena has made 10 appearances for Betis to date since his loan move two months ago.

Another new signing is expected to play a significant role for Barcelona in the near future. As early as now, Portuguese youngster Francisco Trincao is already being compared to Messi and even Cristiano Ronaldo. Tactical analysis suggests that Trincao resembles a young Messi in terms of dribbling and beating his defenders with minimal spaces.