On January 29, according to the news of the "World Sports Newspaper" and other media, Traore will officially join Barca on loan today. The winger has completed the physical examination and everything is ready. In order to return to Barca, Traore voluntarily took a pay cut, taking only 350,000 euros in half a year, far less than he did at Wolves (1.2 million in half a year).
Traore, 26, will be the third person to be introduced in Barca's winter window: 38-year-old Alves joined on a free transfer, Ferran Torres came to Barca from Manchester City for 55 million euros, and Traore came to Barca on loan for half a year without mandatory buyouts. For Barca, which is financially strapped, the winter window is basically over.
After Traore joined, how did Barca boss Xavi line up? The Daily Sports pointed out that for the second half of the 2021-22 season, Harvey already has the outline of the strongest 11 in mind:
Goalkeeper Ter Stegen (worth 45 million) is unshakable; in the backline, veteran Alves (worth 1 million) can still shine and occupy the position of the main right-back; the center-back partner will be Pique (worth 5 million) and Araujo (worth 35 million), and when Eric Garcia returns, Barca's center-back partner will rotate. The main force at left-back is undoubtedly Alba (worth 12 million), and if Grimaldo and Tagliafico can join, Alba may fade out.
In the configuration of 3 people in the midfield, Busquets (worth 9 million) is the most important person in the central axis, playing the back of the organization; De Jong (worth 70 million) and Pedri (worth 80 million) are also harvey's favorite midfielders. As long as there are no injuries and suspensions, Busquets, De Jong and Pedri are the main partners.
Of the three people on the front line, Ferran Torres (worth 45 million) plays the role of center forward; Garvey (worth 40 million) is the left winger, similar to the legendary star Iniesta, who can break through and control the ball in the ribs, and can also swim to the midfield to participate in the organization; the right winger will be the upcoming Traore (worth 28 million), his speed, explosiveness, confrontation, will inject muscle and strength into Barca's attack.
Barca's starters, with a total value of 370 million euros, are 11 players. In addition, Luke De Jong, Depay and Jutegra will be rotating players in the forward line. Even if Dembele leaves, it will not affect Barca's combat effectiveness. The new No. 10 Fati has been seriously injured again, and it may be difficult to count on him in the 2021-22 season. "Daily Sports" said that Xavi will carry a clear staffing and tactical thinking, and strive to reach the top 4 of La Liga and get the Champions League seat next season.