Ale Moreno has claimed that he ‘doesn’t understand’ how Barcelona are signing Raphinha from Leeds United Football Club (LUFC), as he told ESPN.
The US TV pundit was reacting to rumours that Ousmane Dembele is going to sign a new contract, on top of Barcelona confirming the capture of Raphinha, as they posted on Twitter.
It has been a drawn-out saga, but the Spanish giants have finally got their man and the Brazil international has finally landed his dream move to the Nou Camp.
But with Barcelona’s finances well-documented, many are questioning just how they are able to finance such deals because of the mess they have been in during these past few years.
On top of those troubles, Moreno questioned why they are then putting so much money into ‘similar players’, with Dembele set to stay and Raphinha jumping on board.
“That’s a good question, it’s a really good question,” said Moreno. “They are a similar profile of players. The financial struggles of Barcelona are well-documented. I don’t understand how they are making it work, but apparently, they are.
“So, let’s assume everything is taken care of financially and Barcelona are able to make these signings. If you are going to invest money, then I don’t see why you are going to invest money in similar players.
“They are apparently going to re-sign Dembele and then Raphinha comes in. These are players that, whilst they aren’t the same, it’s a similar profile. And both of them like to play on that right-hand side and cut inside onto their left foot.
“I don’t know if they play together. I don’t know if it makes sense to play together and I don’t know if Barcelona is a better team with those two on the field at the same time.”
BARCELONA LEAVING MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS
It wouldn’t be a surprise if in a few years time if there is some form of investigation into Barcelona’s finances because a lot of what they are going is raising more questions than providing answers.
But they are getting the deals done and the capture of Raphinha is a top-quality signing for the La Liga club, who will be looking to overcome Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the title race next season.
What is Barcelona’s gain is going to be Leeds’ loss and that a big one because he was a key figure for the club last season, as they survived relegation by the skin of their teeth.
Whilst Kalvin Phillips has headed to Manchester City, at least Leeds fans won’t have to watch Raphinha return to Elland Road and possibly score against them because he could have easily joined another English side.
But this is his chance to take his game to the next level, and ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he is fast becoming one of Brazil’s key players.
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