FC Barcelona has been knocked out of the Champions League but this beckons the question of what summer transfers are needed to revitalize the squad so this does not happen again.
Fans have been calling for the exits of the players; Sergio Busquets, Gerrard Pique, Jordi Alba and, Sergi Roberto who have roles as the club’s four captains. These four exits have felt long overdue for years. Figuring out which players to replace them is the difficult task at hand. Low-cost signings are the way to go because of Barca’s financial situation.
Busquets is a unique player in terms of his knowledge and technical ability of the game, but it seems he lacks the physicality and athleticism to hold up with the modern game. Two players the could replace him are Konrad Laimer and Andrey Santos. Laimer has the intensity and physicality to match up with the modern game while also having the technique to play in that defensive midfielder role. Andrey Santos is another player with that style of play and he is much younger so he could come in and have some minutes alongside Laimer. Santos has a good technique for someone so young along with his ability to cover a lot of ground on the pitch.
Strengthening the defense
Pique has been the spearhead of complaints within the Blaugrana’s fanbase for years. The fans who want a replacement immediately might be familiar with the answer that can replace an aging Pique. Evan Ndicka could be the answer to the issues they have with Pique. Ndicka is a fast, agile, strong and intelligent defender. He is someone who can play in a high-pressing system that Xavi enjoys, however, he is also very calm and collected on the ball. Inigo Martinez is another target who Barca could look at if things fail with Ndicka. Martinez is free just like the former but he has La Liga experience which could be another reason why Barca might turn to him as an option for the club.
Roberto and Alba are players who are much more comfortable playing higher up the pitch than defending. It is understandable because they are both attack-minded players but Barca should be looking for players who can do both. In Alba’s position, Grimaldo is a suitable choice because of his upbringing in La Masia coupled with the strides he has taken while playing for Benfica. Not only can he attack at similar rates to Alba but he could also defend which makes him fit for challenging Alejandro Balde at left-back. Wilfried Singo is a player who would be an upgrade on any right-back at the club because of his athleticism, physique, pace, power and crossing ability. He is also free in the summer and is highly recognized as one of the best upcoming talents emerging from the right-back position.
Free transfer?
Diogo Dalot is another target that has been having a brilliant season at Manchester United under new manager Erik ten Hag. He is an upgrade on full-back Hector Bellerin whose time at Barca has been rough. Dalot and Singo could provide healthy competition with each other to build a formidable starting and backup right-back.
Memphis Depay looks set to leave Barca since renewal talks have not started yet. He is someone who adds something different to Barca’s attack but he has gone down the pecking order ever since Xavi arrived. Youssoufa Moukoko is a fresh and vibrant player that has bundles of potential as a striker. Moukoko could improve by being the understudy to Lewandowski for the next couple of seasons. When Lewandowski leaves, Moukoko will be ready to be a striker for the future that Barca has been looking for.
Lionel Messi is always a hot topic for FC Barcelona. We all know about his accomplishments and what he meant to the club. Messi rejoining Barca is what Xavi wants. Therefore, he has said on many occasions that Messi is welcome to return because of the player he is. Messi coming back to Barca in the summer would be beneficial for him and the club. We know what he could do on the pitch can win you trophies and right now Barca is in dire need of it. Messi is a return that the club needs at this moment in time because he has been saving Barca for years and it is time he does it again.
Great post !