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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Alex Ibaceta in Barcelona

Trouble in paradise: How Barcelona’s crisis left women’s team short of players

FC Barcelona La Liga Football Fridolina Rolfö Laia Aleixandri Ona Batlle Suzanne Wrack Manchester United UEFA Champions League
Laia Aleixandri tries to hold on to the ball for Barcelona
Laia Aleixandri was Barcelona’s only summer signing during a dismal transfer window for the women’s team. Photograph: Francisco Guasco/EPA

How times have changed. For the past few years Barcelona have been the team everyone wanted to join: five consecutive Champions League finals, stylish football, leaders in women’s football, a stunning city and Ballon d’Or winners for teammates. However, 10 years after becoming professional, the three-time European champions are a club in trouble.

Restricted by La Liga’s financial fair play rules, the women’s team have had a calamitous summer transfer window. There have been six departures – all to the Women’s Super League – while the midfielder Alba Caño is leaving for the NWSL in January. They made only one signing, Laia Aleixandri on a free transfer from Manchester City.

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