The Post-Neymar Void: A Position Without a Master
When Neymar left for PSG in 2017, he left behind more than just dazzling dribbles and goals — he left a tactical and psychological gap on the left flank that Barcelona has struggled to fill ever since.
Failed Successors & Misplaced Spending
Under Bartomeu, Barcelona poured hundreds of millions into signings meant to replace Neymar — but none were natural fits:
Philippe Coutinho (€160M) – Brought in as a playmaker, not a wide threat. Never thrived on the wing and lacked explosiveness.
Ousmane Dembélé (€140M) – Signed as a right winger, injury-plagued, and inconsistent despite flashes of brilliance.
Antoine Griezmann (€120M) – A second striker forced to play on the left, which limited his impact drastically.
Ferran Torres (€55M) – Versatile but has yet to convince as a consistent left-sided starter.
None of them recreated the vertical danger, flair, and productivity Neymar provided from that side.
Attempts with Youth and In-House Experiments
Barcelona also tested several youth players and squad options:
Ansu Fati: Showed early promise, but injuries derailed his momentum and confidence.
Abde Ezzalzouli: Talented but raw and inconsistent in final product.
Gavi (out of position): Used as a false winger under Xavi, bringing energy and pressing but lacking natural width or attacking instincts.
No one truly owned that flank — until a surprise shift changed things.
The Raphinha Revelation on the Left
Although initially a right winger, Raphinha’s breakout performance on the left wing came during the Champions League quarter-final against PSG in Paris (2025). Under Hansi Flick, who values tactical flexibility, Raphinha was shifted to the left — and he delivered:
Two goals at the Parc des Princes, including a stunning volley.
Created overloads by cutting in and combining with midfielders.
Showed intelligence, intensity, and composure — even playing out of position.
From that point on, Flick trusted him as the main man on the left, and Raphinha responded with arguably the best season of his career (64 games, 61 G/A). A Brazilian playing his best football on the left wing for Barça again — poetic.
Recent Transfer Pursuits: A Sign of the Club’s Desperation
Nico Williams: Twice targeted. His combination of pace, directness, and age made him ideal — but his renewal at Athletic Bilbao slammed that door shut.
Luis Díaz: Proven and dynamic but would require a huge financial commitment.
Marcus Rashford: Available for a loan + option-to-buy, but form has been inconsistent.
All solid options — but none are without major risk or price tags.
Why Kenan Yildiz Might Be the Most Strategic Move
You’re not alone in rating Kenan Yildiz highly. Here’s why he’s possibly the smartest long-term solution:
Two-footed: Can cut inside or go wide. Adds unpredictability.
Age 20: Fits the club’s youth philosophy and has resale value.
Composed & Creative: Already showing leadership and vision at Juventus and with the Turkish national team.
Versatile: Can play LW, CAM, or SS — fits Flick’s positional rotation.
He may not yet have the global star power of Rashford or the proven flair of Díaz, but his ceiling is arguably higher, and his style suits Barça’s evolving philosophy.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Get It Right
It’s been seven years of rotation, frustration, and misalignment on the left wing. Whether it’s:
Raphinha continuing his reinvention under Flick
Yildiz arriving as a new project with top-tier potential
A short-term gamble on Rashford
…Barcelona must finally define the left wing — not just with a name, but with a clear role, purpose, and consistency
