BARCELONA are turning to the Premier League to try to win their first Champions League title since 2015.
The Spanish giants have struggled in Europe for over a decade and failed to add to their five UCL titles for the past 11 years.
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They are now changing their approach, and relying less on their famed academy La Masia, and instead turning to the Premier League.
This summer has seen an unprecedented number of La Masia graduates leave the club.
The likes of Jofre Torrens, Toni Fernandez, Alvaro Cortes, Guille Fernandez and Tommy Marques have all made permanent transfers elsewhere.
It has been a deliberate change in approach from sporting director Deco, and Barca have made sure to include buy-back clauses and sell-on fees to the deals.
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The Catalan side have been raiding the Premier League over the last two years.
Last summer Marcus Rashford joined on loan, and had a successful season, scoring 14 goals and getting 11 assists in all competitions.
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But Barca only reached the quarter-finals of the UCL before being knocked out by Atletico Madrid.
This summer they have made three PL signings. Anthony Gordon, Rodri and Gabriel Jesus.
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Saturday 12 September
Bournemouth
15:00
EPL
Brentford
Villa
15:00
EPL
Forest
Chelsea
15:00
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Hull
Palace
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Ipswich
Liverpool
15:00
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Spurs
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Everton
Sunderland
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Arsenal
Sunday 6 September
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2 – 1
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Chelsea
Everton
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Man Utd
Saturday 5 September
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Fulham
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Gordon and Rodri in particular have been signed as two of the key players in the squad.
Rodri is of course a Ballon d’Or winner and won the Player of the Tournament as Spain won this year’s World Cup, while Gordon was signed for £69million.
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The former Newcastle winger has had a fantastic start to the new season, registering five assists in his first four La Liga games.
Incredibly, the last player to achieve those number was a certain academy product called Lionel Messi…
After the 2-0 home win over Athletic Club a couple of weeks ago, the home fans chanted his name. He is already a certified fan favourite.
There is real belief around the club that their Premier League reinforcements can push them to European glory.
Barcelona kick off their UCL campaign against Feyenoord, and will be hoping this is the season they finally lift the UCL trophy again.