Premier League
Catalans' leap: Barcelona sparks Premier League interest
At the Camp Nou, where the grass smells of victory, FC Barcelona presents an unrivaled start: six wins in a row, a goal difference of 26:5 and more than four goals per game, while the 19‑year‑old left‑back Xavi Espart scored for the first time.
Record start in the top‑five leagues
The Catalans have thus made what is probably the hottest start of any team in the top‑five leagues of Europe. So far all six matches have been won, underscoring Barça's dominance in the leagues. With an overall goal difference of 26:5, the attacking power averages more than four goals per game, a ratio that is rarely seen.
In the 4‑2 win over UD Levante on Sunday, Xavi Espart, the 19‑year‑old left‑back, scored his first goal for the Catalans. The Barça‑Star has established himself as a shooting star since the start of the season and fuels the attacking play.
Balde rumors and Premier League interest
When Alejandro Balde was up for sale in the last transfer window, the deal ultimately fell through. The 22‑year‑old has now fallen to third‑choice left‑back behind Espart and Joao Cancelo.
The Spanish newspaper reports that Liverpool FC wants to try its luck with the 22‑year‑old Balde in the winter and intends to bring him to Anfield Road. A transfer would further fuel Premier League interest in the Catalans.
On the left side, Milos Kerkez is a constant uncertainty factor, while Kostas Tsimikas has long ceased to play any role at the English record champions. The Reds urgently need reinforcement to close the defensive gap.
A move would secure more playing time for Balde, allow Liverpool to plug the defensive hole, and provide Barcelona with important revenue for the homegrown talent. Thus the end of a long period of patience for all parties could be ushered in.
A photo by Alex Caparros/GettyImages shows the jubilant players after the final whistle. The Catalans' impressive start could further accelerate the jump to the Premier League for several talents.