The challenge of strengthening the attack
Barcelona is working hard in this summer market to improve all its lines, in particular the offensive. With the intention of returning the enthusiasm to their fans and contesting the titles, the Blaugrana team needs to compose a competitive team despite the economic challenges it faces. Hansi Flick wants new signings and the priority is a winger, but one of the names that has been touted is now off the radar as he has confirmed his move to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.
Jaden Philogene arrives at Aston Villa
Jaden Philogene, trained in the lower categories of Aston Villa, had been on loan to Hull City last summer, where he has had an outstanding season with 12 goals and 6 assists in 32 games in the Championship, the English second division. Although he was offered to Barça, Philogene returns to Birmingham a year later. This Friday, the English winger signed a new contract with Aston Villa for five seasons.
Declarations and amount of the transfer
Jaden Philogene’s return to Aston Villa has seen an outlay of €16m, triple what Hull City paid for him a year ago. In his presentation, Philogene expressed that he feels at home and emphasized the importance of the conversation with Unai Emery for his transfer: ‘I feel incredible, as if I had returned home. Unai Emery spoke to me face to face and we had a very good discussion about my playing time. He mentioned that I did well in the pre-season last year and that this time I will have opportunities.’
Barça’s situation in the transfer market
Despite Barcelona’s interest in bolstering their forward line with a winger, Jaden Philogene was never a priority option for the club. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have not considered him a key piece, focusing on other objectives. Now, the signing of Philogene by Aston Villa is a fact.
Barcelona’s priorities
Barcelona’s main objective in this transfer window is to strengthen all its lines, especially the front line. Both Hansi Flick and the club’s technical secretary have as a priority the acquisition of a winger. The main bet is Nico Williams, who after an impressive season with Athletic Club and an outstanding performance at the Euros with Spain, is considered vital to achieving the club’s goals.