However, to keep winning, most great sides evolve gradually each year and Barca will hope that is true for them this season. England right-back Lucy Bronze has joined from Manchester City and midfielder Keira Walsh followed for a €400,000 world record transfer fee for women’s football. Brazilian striker Geyse, the joint-top scorer in last season’s Primera Division, has also signed from Madrid CFF, while Real Sociedad left-back Nuria Rabano has arrived to add depth on defense.
A clutch of talented youngsters have come in, too, including Salma Paralluelo, who has given up a career in track and field to focus on football, but the old guard will continue to provide the platform for success. Goalkeeper Sandra Panos has Mapi Leon and Irene Paredes defending in front of her, while midfielders Patri Guijarro and Aitana Bonmati look primed to step up in Putellas’ absence. Mariona Caldentey, Caroline Graham Hansen and Fridolina Rolfo will all have important roles to play as well.
The Champions League will pose the real challenge for Jonatan Giraldez’s squad. Barca twice broke the attendance record in women’s football last season as over 90,000 fans filled Camp Nou for wins over Real Madrid and Wolfsburg in Europe. They eventually came up short in the final, relinquishing the crown they won in 2021 to Lyon, leaving them eager to go one better this season.
