Barcelona have had an absolutely bonkers summer transfer window as they’ve signed several big-name stars despite their ongoing financial difficulties. As we speak, they are closing in on another signing with Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso likely on his way to the Camp Nou.
However, Barca face a race to register all of their new stars before the start of the new La Liga season next weekend. Meanwhile, they are also busy trying to unload a few more players, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being linked with a return to London.
Read on below as SBOTOP shares the latest La Liga 2022 news a week before the start of the new season.
Barca yet to register new stars with La Liga
Barcelona begin their new La Liga campaign on Aug. 13 as they host Rayo Vallecano at Camp Nou. However, it remains to be seen whether Xavi will have all of the club’s new summer signings available for the season opener as they remain unregistered with La Liga.
Barca bought Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde for over €150 million this summer. Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie have arrived on free transfers.
Furthermore, Ousmane Dembele and Sergi Roberto signed new contracts with the club and must be registered again for them to be able to play in La Liga.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has already sold off significant portions of the club’s domestic television rights as well as their in-house production company to fund their summer transfer business.
But La Liga have told them they will need to pull the fourth of these so-called ‘financial levers’ if they want to have everyone available for the season opener.
Barca close to Marcos Alonso deal
Despite Barcelona’s inability to register their newly signed players, they are still keen on adding another member to their squad, with Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso reportedly close to joining.
If he completes his move, Alonso would be the fourth player with Chelsea ties to join Barca this summer. Christensen joined on a free transfer, while Barca pipped the Blues for both Raphinha and Kounde. But Cesar Azpilicueta, who was also strongly linked with a move to the Camp Nou, opted to sign a new contract with Chelsea.
Alonso has spent the last six seasons with Chelsea, providing 25 goals and 15 assists in 154 Premier League appearances for the Blues. He will likely be the primary backup to 33-year-old Jordi Alba at left-back.
Aubameyang set to join Barca exodus?
While the list of incoming Barca players is already long and seemingly growing, their outgoings are starting to catch up.
Last week defender Oscar Mingueza was sold to Celta Vigo on a €3 million deal. Backup goalkeeper Neto looks set to join Premier League side Bournemouth, former highly rated prospect Riqui Puig has left for Los Angeles Galaxy on a free transfer, and the Frenkie de Jong saga remains unresolved.
Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s time at Camp Nou could be short-lived. The 33-year-old just joined Barca last January from Arsenal, but he could be coming back to the Premier League as he’s been linked with a move to Chelsea.
Aubameyang, who scored 11 goals in 17 La Liga appearances for Barca last season, previously worked with current Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund.
Aside from Aubameyang, Memphis Depay could also be headed out of the Camp Nou. The Dutchman is reportedly seeking a deal to terminate his contract and become a free agent.
Sevilla looking to strengthen
While Barcelona are busy sorting out their transfer business, Sevilla are also trying to strengthen their La Liga 2022 odds of winning the title ahead of the season opener.
The Rojiblancos just sealed a loan deal for Manchester United left-back Alex Telles. The 29-year-old Brazilian will compete with Argentine Marcos Acuna for the starting spot in defence.
Sevilla are also being touted as a potential landing spot for Lazio playmaker Luis Alberto.
Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri admitted Luis Alberto is keen on a move to Spain, but while the two clubs are negotiating, it remains to be seen whether the 29-year-old will leave Lazio this summer.
Luis Alberto has spent the last six seasons with Lazio after moving from Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna. He has been one of the Biancocelesti’s most important players during that time, providing 36 goals and 47 assists in 174 Serie A appearances.
Gattuso confirms Goncalo Guedes Valencia exit
New Valencia coach Gennaro Gattuso has confirmed that Goncalo Guedes is set to leave the club this summer.
Gattuso claims Valencia have received a huge proposal for the Portuguese forward, who will not be called up for the club’s upcoming game against Girona.
Leeds United have been linked with Guedes, but sporting director Victor Orta has denounced these rumours as ‘clickbait’.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United, and Arsenal have also been touted as potential Guedes landing spots.
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