Barcelona are among the few top sides in Europe that consistently aim to remain competitive each season. As a result, it is quite common for Barcelona to delve deep into the transfer drama almost every summer. New arrivals and excess departures are exactly what keep the elite clubs of Europe fortified and on their toes.
Currently, Barcelona does possess a well-balanced squad with a lot of depth. However, considering that certain players may not stick around for too long due to whatever reason, adjustments are necessary.
Several players may end their contracts, and others have their loans expiring or simply needing new specialists, there are different reasons why Barcelona needs to reinforce.
According to the latest information provided by SPORT, there are certain positions Xavi has prioritized to have reinforced. The right-back position, the left-back, the pivot, and a new interior are all crucial for Xavi moving forward.
Right-back
Priority: Sign Joao Cancelo
The Portuguese star has been fundamental to FC Barcelona since his arrival. Offensively creative and overall a great technical addition, his loan has been massively fruitful.
Reportedly, Barcelona would leap at the chance to sign him on a permanent deal. However, in the scenario that Man City attempts to substantially raise the asking price, other options may have to do.
Alternatives:
One of the top alternatives to Cancelo would be Juan Foyth. The Argentine has been previously followed by Barcelona as well. His signing would have to be negotiated with Villarreal. Another option could also be to bet on Julian Araujo or a new subsidiary player within Barcelona.
Left-back
Priority: Renew Marcos Alonso
Arguably not exactly the best backup to Alejandro Balde in terms of quality, Marcos Alonso offers other benefits. With Balde already the guaranteed starter, Barça needs a player who is willing to play as second fiddle to him.
Alonso has his contract expiring soon, but a renewal may be agreed upon if the financial adjustments work for Barcelona.
Alternatives:
A great name for Barcelona to turn to instead of Alonso could be Alex Valle. A teenage left-back on loan at Levante, he has impressed Xavi thoroughly. Another product of La Masia, Valle is looking to make a name for himself at Barcelona.
Pivot
Priority: Arthur Vermeeren/Gabriel Moscardo
Both Arthur Vermeeren and Gabriel Moscardo are great talents that entice Barcelona. Vermeeren hails from Belgium, is currently aged 18, and plays for Royal Antwerp. Moscardo, also aged 18, is Brazilian and plies his trade for Corinthians.
Both are technically astounding starlets that Barcelona would love to get their hands on, but so would other European giants. Ideally wanting to bet on youngsters for the future, both these stars are more appealing to Barça than seasoned veterans.
Alternatives:
Other big names still on the radar for Barcelona include Joshua Kimmich and Bruno Guimaraes. Both stars are expected to be valued at €100 million by Bayern Munich and Newcastle United respectively.
Unachievable demands from the perspective of Barcelona, the Catalan giants simply can not meet them. Despite the fact that Guimaraes reportedly has a secret Barcelona clause, the valuation even then is too far-fetched for Barça.
Another option is to go after Guido Rodriguez, who is likely to be a free agent soon enough. However, the club does not come to a sporting consensus in his case from within.
New Interior
Priority: Bernardo Silva
Just as he is almost every season, Bernardo Silva remains the dream of Xavi Hernandez. The Portuguese midfielder possesses all the key traits to succeed within FC Barcelona. However, his departure from Manchester City remains complicated especially now that he has penned down a renewal until 2026.
Alternative:
Tottenham Hotspurs’s Lo Celso is seen as a good alternative to Bernardo Silva. Technically gifted and good with his positioning, the Argentine midfielder has good opinions of him from within the Barça camp.
His arrival would also be expensive but the transfer fee is expected to be less than what Bernardo Silva would end up costing ultimately.
In conclusion, while all the priority options are top stars, Barcelona will still need to be careful. Walking a tightrope as it is with their finances, La Blaugrana will want to be cautious with their signings.
Not every arrival will be their priority target, but that is something that Barcelona will have to simply live the reality of moving forward.
