While the summer transfer window may still be a few months away, Barcelona are already working hard behind the scenes to identify targets and make moves. At the same time, the Catalans are also trying to figure out ways to resolve their Financial Fair Play issues so that they can be in a position to register new signings.
It could lead to some exits, with the likes of Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, and Jordi Alba being linked with departures. As for the potential incomings, Barcelona are once again showing great ambitions despite their current economic situation.
Former captain and club legend Lionel Messi is seen as one of the priority targets for the summer transfer window as his contract with PSG is set to expire at the end of the season.
Inigo Martinez’s signing has been all but confirmed, although the operation will hinge on the club achieving Fair Play margin needed to register him.
Along with that, there are moves being lined up for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who is now the preferred option to replace captain Sergio Busquets, and Vitor Roque, who is seen as the backup for Robert Lewandowski.
Barça Universal takes a look at how Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona lineup could look like next season if the intended signings go through.
Potential Barcelona XI for next season
Given the exceptional form that Marc-Andre ter Stegen has displayed, there is absolutely no doubt over his spot between the sticks.
A new right-back is also said to be on the agenda, but recent reports suggest that Barcelona are prioritising a new forward and a midfielder. So, they could go into next season without signing a right-sided full-back.
In that case, Xavi could once again be forced to persist with Jules Kounde as his right-back. Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen will be his preferred centre-back pairing. Potential new signing Inigo Martinez will serve as a backup option. Alejandro Balde will further firm up his status as the first-choice left-back.
Should Barcelona be successful in signing Sofyan Amrabat, he could walk into the starting XI at the base of the three-man midfield unit at the expense of captain Sergio Busquets, who is still yet to decide whether to renew his contract or not.
Potential Barcelona lineup for next season ft. Messi, Amrabat
Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, who had been two of the best midfielders in Europe this season prior to their injuries, would be the preferred options for the interior positions. Xavi could rotate one of them with Gavi depending on opposition/match situations.
A lot has been speculated about how Lionel Messi could fit into this Barcelona setup should he return. The Barcelona legend could be given the role of a false right-winger, something that Xavi has done with Gavi this season, albeit on the left, as part of his four central midfielders tactic.
It would essentially mean Ousmane Dembele would have to shift to the left flank while Robert Lewandowski, who has expressed his desire to play with Messi, continuing as the first-choice striker.
