BriefTea
Every story in sixty words
Get the free app no ads · no paywallExplained in plain English
Top clubs like Barcelona always have a list of alternative targets for each position, as seen with Bastoni after Gvardiol. This strategy mitigates risk, ensuring they can still strengthen their squad if their primary choice falls through due to player preference, club refusal, or financial reasons. It's a key part of modern football recruitment.
Stories that explain this
Barcelona failed to sign Man City's Josko Gvardiol, targeting Bastoni insteadRelated explainers
How do clubs afford transfers? Can players force a move? Who really profits from transfers? What are the alternatives to paracetamol? What is a 'big club'? Who are 'big' clubs? Why do big clubs have academies? Who are the 'big six' clubs?The full catalogue
Browse every card filed under C →We would like to count visits and see which links bring readers here. That means storing a random ID in your browser. No cookies, no ads, no profile. How it works.