Barcelona have made significant progress over the last few seasons under the leadership of the new management, led by Joan Laporta, despite coming into a club that was well corrupted by economic and financial limitations.
Now, as they look forward to the new 2023/2024 season up ahead, it is a good chance to look back at one of the most important aspects of Laporta’s tenure thus far; his recruitment of free agents that have helped stabilize the club in important areas when spending too many funds was not an option.
In total, with the two new free transfers added to the count, Barcelona have managed to recruit 13 free agents over the last 3 years since the 2020/2021 season.
Eric Garcia (Manchester City)
The young central defender came from Manchester City as a free transfer and has since found moments within the club where he has held solid importance, under Ronald Koeman in particular, and also periods of not much importance, as he has been going through this season under Xavi Hernandez.
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Despite having arrived as a promising player given his massive experience and proven quality, the player’s time at the club was unfortunately cut short due to various health-related issues.
Memphis Depay (Olympique Lyon)
The Dutchman arrived as one of the most prized possessions of France’s Ligue 1, but despite an exciting first season at the club, he was not able to live up to the massive expectations piled up on his shoulders.
Luuk De Jong (Sevilla)
Another Dutchman who arrived to much dismay initially amongst fans, but courtesy of his various late winners and equalizers as a super sub, managed to forever become a fan favorite among the Camp Nou faithful.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
Tension at Arsenal and internal problems forced the player to be on bad terms with his former club, but hopping onto the Catalan ship the moment the chance presented itself on deadline day would end up being a free transfer that provided benefits to both Barcelona and Aubameyang himself.
Adama Traore (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
Known for his rapid pace and insane levels of acceleration, the former La Masia player came for a year-long loan that would end up being a good deal for La Blaugrana, providing them a new kind of option on the wings besides just having to rely on Ousmane Dembele, despite the Catalans not having triggered his buy option.
Dani Alves (Free agent)
A Barcelona legend in his own right, the return of the Brazilian was met with massive uncertainty given his mature age, yet his dedication to the club and commitment to the cause under Xavi Hernandez allowed him to be a great asset both on the field and off it.
Franck Kessie (AC Milan)
The AC Milan midfielder was one of the most well-renowned talents in Serie A before his move to Barcelona, and while he has not been bad by any means during his time in Spain, the player is surely playing less minutes than he would have originally had hoped for at the club.
Andreas Christensen (Chelsea)
The Danish defender has become one of the mainstays under the tutelage of Xavi Hernandez and for good reason. His ability on the ball as well as his understanding of the game have made him an immense part of Xavi’s Barcelona.
Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
The former Chelsea man arrived on a free transfer after the termination of his contract with Chelsea alongside Andreas Christensen who left the London-based club as a free agent, and while the Dane has become undisputable under Xavi, the Spanish defender has also been able to provide much-appreciated depth.
Hector Bellerin (Arsenal)
Having arrived on a one-year deal following the termination of his contract at Arsenal, the Spaniard was more or less a signing for the short term, and albeit not extraordinary, his time in the city of his birth was not all too bad before moving on to his next club in Sporting CP.
Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)
One of the most in-form stars in Europe at the moment of signing, treble-winner with Manchester City and captain of the English side as well, bringing Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer could turn out to be a masterful operation done right.
Inigo Martinez (Athletic Bilbao)
The most recent of acquisitions to be made official, the former Athletic Bilbao defender brings along with him proven quality and bundles of experience, particularly in the Spanish first division.