Transfer News: What is wrong with Barcelona?

Should Barcelona, with their financial issues be running after Julian Alvarez? Real Madrid's cheeky bid will drive up the player's v...

Should Barcelona, with their financial issues be running after Julian Alvarez? Real Madrid's cheeky bid will drive up the player's valuation; will Barcelona continue the pursuit, while leaving Rashford in limbo? (Photo credit: GOAL)

Barcelona is no doubt one of the biggest clubs in the world, with a rich history of year-over-year success. The club has been moving weirdly lately, and it's important to dissect their problems.

The club announced on Tuesday that their stadium renovation has suffered a setback due to funding problems, but you can ask them questions about how they have managed funds over the past few years.

Over the years, Barcelona has tried to compete with Real Madrid on marquee signing grounds. Real Madrid is known to be a Galácticos club; the 15-time Champions League winners try to sign one mega player every season, and Barcelona tries to keep up with them.

There's no justification for such peer pressure, as Barcelona is known to have one of the best academies in world football. Why don't they rely on their developmental skills instead of shopping for finished articles like Real Madrid?

For a cash-strapped club, why did they go after players with big salary demands when they could just build from the back? They were in deep trouble just two years ago, struggling to register players, yet they went for players they couldn't afford.

You have lots of questions to ask the decision-makers in Barcelona. How did they value Anthony Gordon at €70m yet can't pay Manchester United €30m for Marcus Rashford, who was one of their leading lights last season?

They will talk about wages, so they're trying to fleece Manchester United to sell Rashford for a lower fee. Did they think United admins didn't see the Gordon signing? Will United allow them to run away with their player on a cheap?

United won't bulge. That will drag on until the end of the transfer window. Their next issue is their chase for Julian Alvarez. Real Madrid has swooped in to drive up the cost of the player with their cheeky €150m bid for the Argentine.

The implication of that is that Barcelona will now have to pay in excess of €150m if they want the player. Does Barcelona need Alvarez? It might be time for them to consider homegrown talents as they hope to return to greatness in Europe.