FC Barcelona Femení has closed down a good list of transfers and a nice set of pre-season trips to match. Here are the details.
Transfers: Ins and Outs
Barça Femení embarked on their first pre-season game right after sealing the quadruple. The trip to Chivas Feminil of LIGA MX came between Liga F games, before the official conclusion of the season as Blaugranagram’s Katie Gomez explained in detail in this article: (https://www.blaugranagram.com/vamos-a-mexico/)
Since the end of the season match against Valencia Femenino, things done changed. A lot has happened.
Mariona Caldentey is now an Arsenal player, after nine seasons at Barça, laden with incredible success and good memories.
Another similar exit was that of goalkeeper Sandra Paños. Assumed to be on her way out a few months prior to her official announcement. Paños was one of the old guards at the club, and a co-captain in the team. Remembered as one of the first if not the only goalkeeper to wear the captain’s armband and lead her team to UWCL glory. Now, Paños is in Liga MX, representing the Club America colors.
In addition, Lucy Bronze together with the club, announced that she would be ending her stay in sunny Catalonia after two seasons. Although many hoped she would stay for at least one more season, it would be correct to assume that that move was the best for both parties. Bronze has since been announced as a new Chelsea WFC player.
FC Barcelona Femení B also had a few departures, namely, Julia Bartel (who joined Chelsea after her contract with Barça expired) and Giulia Dragoni (on loan to AS Roma. There’s also Lucia Corrales’ loan move to Sevilla Femenino. All permanent transfers from the club left as free agents.
It has not been all tears and goodbyes though. As had been anticipated for quite a while, Barça Femení made waves of its own. Keeping in mind new signings as well as a player like María Perez, who as far as is known will be coming back from her loan at Sevilla Femenino.
They officially announced the signing of star striker Ewa Pajor from Wolfsburg. The fact that her switch to sunny Catalonia was leaked pre-maturely did not make the signing any less fascinating. Pajor undoubtedly bolsters the already lethal attack line. Coming in right after the end of season, she was Barça’s first signing for the new chapter. Pajor will no doubt be nice and easier to watch in blue and red for culés. Case in point: Eindhoven 2023, the third minute. Versatility, hard work, skill and passion for the game. All phrases that can be used next to her name.
(Photo via FC Barcelona Femeni)
A few days after Pajor’s announcement, Barça announced another signing that had been floated since the winter transfer window. This time between the posts: England international Ellie Roebuck. Roebuck, a magnificent goalie in her own right, will presumably try and fill in the big shoes left by ‘’El madre de grupo’, Sandra Paños. There is no doubt in everyone’s mind what Roebuck adds to the club: skill, obviously, great shot stopping and depth.
It didn’t end there though. After weeks of anticipation and negotiations, Barça finally reached an agreement with SL Benfica for the sensational Kika Nazareth. Popular amongst culés, Kika brings in some of that characteristic flair every Women’s Soccer fan knows her for. Her announcement came with near-euphoric feelings. And Barça couldn’t have done it better; with her in Blaugrana and singing the club anthem. Kika, from her mouth to God’s ears, brings hopefully,” joy, good football, goals and winning everything.”
For FC Barcelona Femení B, the addition of Sydneyjoy Schertenleib was confirmed. After a while, Barça Femení also announced a whole lot of renewals and five (5) new signings for the reserves. Werka Arasniewicz, Iara Lobo, Lua Arufe, Natalia Escot and Rosalía Domínguez are all comfirmed additions.
Is transfer closed for Barça Femení then?
Earlier, before Kika Nazareth’s move to Barca was official, a report came out suggesting that Barca’s intention was to cap the transfers at Kika. Unless of course an unexpected departure came. That would change things. That said, the report was unverifiable and its truth can’t be spoken to. So, what can be spoken to? Barça Femení have completed three signings and confirmed three exits from the first team. Can we expect more or is the chapter closed?
With the clock ticking, one can only speculate. Lucy Bronze, while her former position in the team is perfectly covered by Ona Batlle, leaves a huge depth problem in the defense. A number of culés are of the opinion that the defense could benefit from at least one or two additions. This, mainly because Liga F is a long haul flight, matter of fact, the longest. 30 games per season, and the international calendar is not helping the situation. The team needs all the depth it can get.
Until the transfer window is completely closed, nothing can be ruled out. However, the majority of the business has been taken care of. There might not be much movement from the club in the way of signings at this point.
What’s then for Pre-season?
Starting Thursday, Barca Femeni kicked off the pre-season tour (officially), with a trip to their 2021/22 UWCL group opponents TSG 1899 Hoffenheim Frauen of Frauen Bundesliga. Pere Romeu took charge of his first match as the head coach on Saturday, August 10th at the Rhein-Neckar Arena and the newcomers, with the exception of Ellie Roebuck (still in recovery), made their debuts.
It was a nice match featuring a goal from Hoffenheim’s Melissa Kössler and comeback goals from Ewa Pajor, Claudia Pina, Ingrid Engen, a rare but sweet screamer from Keira Walsh and Bruna Vilamala closing the account for the day.
If nothing changes, they will be facing Montpellier Feminines on the 17th of August, followed by the Gamper Fest against AC Milan on the 23rd of August. Last but not least, the club also confirmed a short but worthwhile trip for the ladies to the US, where their male counterparts just left. While there, they will face NWSL’s youngest daughter Bay FC (August 27th, Paypal Park) and USL Super League’s Dallas Trinity FC (August 30th, Cotton Bowl Stadium).
Safe to say, there is a lot to look forward to and hope for.
