Xavi Clarifies Barcelona’s Position on Pursuing Mbappe or Haaland

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Xavi has emphasized that Barcelona is currently unable to consider signing players of the caliber of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland due to the club’s well-documented financial limitations.

Despite recent high-profile signings such as Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres, Barcelona has relied on loan deals to bolster the squad for the 2023/24 season.

While the club aims to secure permanent deals for Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, uncertainties remain about their stay.

Although Vitor Roque has been added to reinforce the attack, Barcelona, amidst ongoing financial challenges, is cautious about pursuing marquee signings.

Xavi reiterated this stance after Barcelona’s La Liga 2-1 win against Las Palmas, emphasizing the club’s current fiscal constraints.

“Erling Haaland or Mbappe? We can’t think of Haaland or Mbappe. Barcelona can’t afford these players now, unfortunately,” he told reporters. “I’m happy with the players I have.

“We are not in a privileged situation economically to do that,” the Spaniard added. “I am left with the players I have, and with those players we have to win. We have to win titles and we have to play well because the bar is very high.”

Earlier this week, Barcelona midfielder Pedri expressed his preference for Erling Haaland as the long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, who has faced criticism for his recent goal-scoring form.

However, Xavi’s recent comments suggest that Vitor Roque might be the player considered to close the gap on Real Madrid and Girona at the top of the table.

Xavi emphasized the importance of not treating footballers differently, citing instances of benching players like Lewandowski to maintain a cohesive group dynamic.

Following Barcelona’s late win over Las Palmas, Xavi also called for respect toward the team’s efforts, stating: “We won at the last moment with a penalty. We have arguments [to win La Liga]. The first is that we are the reigning champions. Respect for the reigning champion.”

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