Fabregas or Ribery to be signed by Barcelona?

Barcelona Coach Pep Guardiola Faces Cesc Fabregas Versus Franck Ribery Decision

The Barca coach has assumed responsibility for new signings and faces an interesting decision between either the Bayern or Arsenal playmaker...

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has assumed all responsibilities when it comes to signing new players for the next campaign. After verbally renewing his contract for next season, Guardiola has taken on the duties previously relegated to Txiki Begiristain for next season's additions, according to Marca.

The Barca coach has reportedly decided upon either Cesc Fabregas or Franck Ribery as his big summer signing for next season.

The Barca coach wants to sign the Frenchman as he currently lacks a predominantly left-sided player for next season. However, signing Ribery may not be up to Guardiola as Bayern refused to sell the player last summer and if they should cede this year, they will do so at a very high price, probably in the range of €60-80 million.

Cesc Fabregas is the other objective and here, Guardiola's leverage is greater. Barca reportedly already have a 'yes' from the player who is a former Blaugrana youth product and know his financial terms. Arsenal also seem resigned to the fact that they will have to part with their star midfielder. However, Cesc's price is likely to be very high and Barca expect the transfer to be in the range of €40-45 million.

Should Barca sign Cesc, it is anticipated that Andres Iniesta would move to play on the left, in which case Guardiola would pursue a left-sided player to serve as an ample substitute for the Spaniard in case of injury.

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Cesc would only be able to play in Xavi or Iniesta's position. And he's is far behind both their levels, so I personally wouldn't want Cesc to return any time soon.

Ribery on the other hand would probably be more productive than Henry in the left wing.

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And he's is far behind both their levels

I disagree. Anyone that can rape EPL left and right on a weekly basis has the potential to take over Iniesta or Xavi's spots... preferably Iniesta's. For Spain, what is Xavi or Iniesta anymore than Fabregas?

Ribery's overrated btw. He wouldn't be much of an improvement if he was to replace Henry.

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Originally Posted by #1

I disagree. Anyone that can rape EPL left and right on a weekly basis has the potential to take over Iniesta or Xavi's spots... preferably Iniesta's. For Spain, what is Xavi or Iniesta anymore than Fabregas?

Ribery's overrated btw. He wouldn't be much of an improvement if he was to replace Henry.

Take out Iniesta & Xavi from Barcelona and you basically take away Barcelona's style, philosophy and mentality away. You can take Henry away, or Valdes, Zlatan and you still have the best team in the world. Take out Iniesta and it's like taking my left leg away. Take Xavi away and you just took my right arm & leg away. Although Cesc has similar characteristics to these 2, he is not yet at their level. He surely is on a good road, but is not yet ready to have a spot in the current Barcelona.

The Current Barcelona = Xavi & Iniesta

Xavi & Iniesta = 6 Club Titles in one year

6 Club Titles in one year = The best team in the word (And possibly the best club side in history. If not, then surely in the top 3)

I'm not ready to take the risk of 1)Affect Barcelona's Team Chemistry 2) Affect Cesc's Career, by keeping him in the bench, or not being able to fill either Xavi or Iniesta's boots.

I'll gladly welcome Cesc's return when he's playing top-class football. And by that I mean making your presence weigh in an important match like Arsenal vs Manchester United. Create enough chances and NOT lose 3-0

Ah I see. So it's a difference in chemistry & style that can affect the team by starting Cesc. I get what you're saying... and very good explanation btw. I agree. They're the backbone on Barca.