Barcelona News: Neymar sale has strengthened club claims president Josep Marta Bartomeu
BARCELONA chief Josep Maria Bartomeu is adamant his club will be stronger despite losing star player Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.
Posted Wednesday, September 06, 2017 by Dailystar.co.uk
Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for £198m this summer
Neymar took the Catalan club by surprise after forcing a move to Paris for a world-record fee in the summer.
Barca tried and failed with a number of transfer targets, including Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho, despite several bids.
Jurgen Klopp's star man even put in a transfer request but the Reds stood firm and a move did not materialise.
Bartomeu has been targeted by fans after what has been perceived as poor business in the transfer window.
Fans were riled by the club's decision to pull out of a move for Nice star Jean Michael Seri.
They did bring in three key signings, though, in the shape of Gerard Deulofeu, Ousmane Dembele and Paulinho.
Bartomeu said: "It's better. Better on the right flank and in midfield. We can counter-attack and with Paulinho we've got a lot of strength. And up front we have players like Deulofeu and Dembele."
Barcelona's famous 'MSN' trident was broken up this summer but Bartomeu is happy with the move.
He said: "It's been really good but it's had consequences.
"It's an opportunity to play a return to collective football in midfield, which is traditionally Barca's strength.
"His exit allows us to strengthen the model, to not fall back on the trident all the time.
"Plus, we've got money. We've earned €105million (£94m) and there's more to invest in football, in assets.
"Let's see what we do. It's an opportunity, with a new manager, a new project. We can't be pessimists. Let's stop being pessimistic!"
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