With their financial struggles handicapping their ability to make their desired moves in the market, FC Barcelona have had to recourse to several free signings in the last few years. Several of these signings, including that of Andreas Christensen, Inigo Martinez, Franck Kessie, and Ilkay Gundogan, allowed the Blaugranes to significantly strengthen their team without spending a single Euro in fees.
There were no free players incorporated in the squad in the last summer transfer window, but according to a report from Mundo Deportivo, the Blaugranes are keeping their eyes open on the players whose contracts are ending at the end of this season, and have four such players in particular in their sights.
The Catalans have three center-backs with contracts expiring in 2026 (Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and Eric Garcia), and another in 2025 (Inigo Martinez, however, his contract will get a one-year extension if he plays at least 45 minutes in 60% of the matches this season), and they might need to strengthen their backline going forward.
For this purpose, the German defender Jonathan Tah is one of the candidates on Barcelona’s radar, especially as he has made it clear that he will not extend his contract, which ends at the end of this season, with Bayer Leverkusen. Real Madrid are also interested in him, but he is seemingly determined to play under Flick once again at Barcelona.
Another weak area in the Barcelona squad is the left-back, where they only have Alejandro Balde as a reliable option. Thus, the Atletico Madrid fullback Reinildo Mandava could be an option for them as his contract with the Mattress Makers ends next summer.
The Bayern Munich fullback, Alphonso Davies, would be another highly enticing option for this position. The Canadian has been closely linked with Real Madrid but has not yet reached an agreement with them, and his history with Flick can help the Blaugranes land him next summer.
Lastly, Barcelona also have to replace Robert Lewandowski, who is already 36 years of age. Vitor Roque’s signing has not entirely turned out in their favor, and the Lille striker Jonathan David can be a very attractive option for them in this regard, especially as his contract is ending in 2025. The player himself is also reportedly keen to don the Blaugrana jersey.