Papers: Barcelona facing ‘total crisis’ with Ilaix Moriba

Ilaix Moriba’s contract renewal has been one of the key priorities ever since Joan Laporta’s investiture into office as Barcelona president for a second tenure. However, the midfielder has not made proceedings easy whatsoever.

Moriba and his entourage have been highly uncooperative in the negotiations. Their ludicrous wage demands for such a young player have not sat well with Laporta, who has bluntly voiced his disapproval of the youngster’s demeanour.

Barcelona have run out of patience, and according to today’s edition of SPORT, they have deemed his renewal impossible and seek an exit for him. However, if he does not fetch a decent sum of money, he will remain in the stands for the season.

The Catalans have put a price tag of 15 million euros on Ilaix Moriba, and according to the paper, they have already declined an offer for 8 million from RB Leipzig.

Despite his exclusion, Barcelona have a wealth of young talent in their ranks to harness this season, with many promising youngsters arriving at the first team or making the step up from the academy, as pointed out by Mundo Deportivo.

Coach Ronald Koeman has, at his disposal, a group of very exciting players aged between 17 and 22, from which he can form an entire starting squad with each position covered, including the likes of Sergino Dest, Oscar Mingueza, Gavi, Yusu Demir, Riqui Puig, Pedri and many more.

The average age of this squad of youngsters amounts to just 19.6 years. Exciting times lie ahead for Barcelona, if their talents are utilized properly.