Despite incredible levels of debt that are publicly known, FC Barcelona look set to be one of the major players in the summer transfer window this year based on some of their reported targets.
Under Xavi Hernandez, the legendary former Spanish maestro has instilled new hope into the Barcelona faithful, with UEFA Champions League qualification all but secured and a new generation of exciting players making their name at the club.
With the likes of Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba all in the final stages of their careers, Barcelona look to be making steps this summer to replace these club legends, and some of their targets are quite exciting.
So here at HITC Sport, we take a look at a hypothetical Barcelona XI if Xavi can pull off his dream summer transfer window, with the La Liga giants linked with some huge and surprising names.
GK – Marc-Andre Ter Stegen
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen might not have enjoyed the best season, but there’s no denying that the Barcelona star remains one of the best keepers in the world and a player who will remain a regular for the La Liga side for years to come.
Moreover, with Ter Stegen hitting the prime of his career, Xavi could be about to see the best of the Germany international over the coming seasons, especially in front of a defence of Barcelona targets that could elevate the keeper’s game.
RB – Djed Spence
Probably the most surprising name on this list yet one who is seemingly a target for Barcelona, Middlesbrough star Djed Spence could be lacing up for the European giants if the Catalan side wins the race for the defender.
Linked with a £20m move to a big club this summer, with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool reportedly interested in the England youngster, Barcelona are also in the run-in for Spence, and the defender could be an interesting signing for Xavi should the 21-year-old make the move to La Liga.
CB – Ronald Araujo
Ronald Araujo was linked consistently with a move to the Premier League at the start of the year. However, the talented centre-back has finally ended speculation over a move by signing a long-term contract with the club.
A defender who could easily become one of the best in the world in the coming years, keeping Araujo for the future is a huge coup for Barcelona, and the Uruguay international will play a huge role for Xavi’s side next season.
CB – Gabriel Magalhaes
Another surprising player who has been linked to Barcelona in recent weeks, Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes is reportedly on the club’s radar, with the Brazilian being one of the Gunners’ key players this season.
Given his young age and impressive performances for the Gunners this season, Gabriel could be an exciting new addition for Barcelona, and when you step back, the former LOSC Lille star makes for a very realistic addition for Barca given his skillset and his style of play from the back.
LB – Nicolas Tagliafico
Nicolas Tagliafico looks set to depart Ajax this summer, and the defender himself has even confessed that he was close to a move to Barcelona in January before the deal went south and the Argentine remained in Amsterdam.
Skip to the summer, though, and the left-back will likely make his dream a reality. And although Newcastle United have been linked with Tagliafico, Barcelona look like the certain favourites to sign the fullback in the transfer window.
CM – Gavi
As mentioned, Barcelona have another golden generation of players coming through, and 17-year-old Gavi will no doubt retain his spot in the XI next season after a breakout year for both club and country.
A Barcelona legend in the making who is set to join Araujo in signing a new long-term contract in the coming weeks, Gavi could become the club’s next Xavi or Andres Iniesta if he continues to perform, which is quite something for a player who is not even old enough to order a drink.
CM – Carlos Soler
Reports in Spain recently have strongly suggested that Barcelona have agreed to a deal to sign CF Valencia star Carlos Soler, with the assumptions bringing a very public and strong response from the La Liga side denouncing the news.
Whilst the deal might not be confirmed, the Spanish midfielder has all the hallmarks of being an outstanding Barcelona player, if the La Liga side can beat Liverpool to his signature, with the Reds reportedly also interested in Soler.
CM – Pedri
Gavi might be the younger of the two, but there’s just no denying that Pedri is on course to become of the best players in world football and a potential Ballon d’Or winner if he carries on performing at the level he is already at.
A teenager and arguably one of the best midfielders in Europe, Pedri has been on another level this season, and whilst injuries have hampered his season, the midfielder will play a huge and exciting role for Barcelona next season.
RW – Raphinha
A transfer rumour that has been in circulation for some time that will likely conclude this summer, Barcelona are reportedly set on signing Leeds United superstar Raphinha, and the move could be one of the smartest of the window.
Tricky, productive and a full Brazilian international, everything about Raphinha screams ‘Barcelona player, and this summer could see the highly-rated Leeds talent make the move to the Nou Camp, much to the dismay of the Yorkshire supporters.
ST – Robert Lewandowski
Easily the biggest name Barcelona have been linked with so far this summer, the La Liga giants are reportedly pushing hard to sign Poland superstar Robert Lewandowski, who could leave Bayern Munich this summer.
With the striker’s contract situation yet to be cleared up, Barcelona are sensing an opportunity to sign Lewandowski, and based on the Pole’s form in the past two seasons, Xavi could have a potential Champions League-winning striker on his hands.
LW – Ansu Fati
Inheriting Lionel Messi’s no. 10 shirt is a task no player on Earth could live up to, but for Ansu Fati, the Barcelona talent was a perfect choice to succeed the Argentine legend.
Like Pedri, injuries have plagued Fati’s season, and with the winger only now just back to full fitness, the 19-year-old attacker will next year be one of the players to keep an eye on for next season, especially if Xavi plans to start the Spanish international.
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