Despite finishing 13 points behind champions and bitter rivals Real Madrid last season, there is a feeling of optimism under club legend Xavi Hernandez that has been ascent for a number of years.
For all their financial shortcomings, returning president Joan Laporta has performed incredibly well in the transfer window since steadying the ship following the ousting of his fraudulent predecessor, Josep Bartomeu.
The likes of Eric Garcia, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Sergio Aguero (now unfortunately retired) were brought in on free transfers in 2021 along with Ferran Torres, while AC Milan’s Franck Kessie and Chelsea’s Andreas Christensen followed suit this summer in two more high-profile free acquisitions.
While there have been rumours of several first teams players being made available on the market to alleviate the economic strain on the club, most notably Frenkie de Jong, we are taking a look at how Barcelona could line-up next season as they look to establish themselves among Europe’s elite once more.
GK – Marc Andre Ter Stegen
No qualms over this one, Barcelona’s reliable first choice goalkeeper since 2016 is expected to remain at the Nou Camp for another year.
Although he endured his toughest season yet last campaign, he has the backing of the board and the Blaugrana faithful.
RB – Cesar Azpilicueta
A potential new arrival on the right-hand side of defence, Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to complete a £7million move to Catalonia imminently. New owner Todd Boehly was pictured in the city this week where negotiations over his transfer were rumoured to have taken place.
The 32-year-old has long been linked with a move back to his native Spain, and he would certainly be a welcomed addition to an often fragile Barcelona back-line.
CB – Andreas Christensen
As mentioned, Barcelona’s raid of Chelsea’s defence took its first step after they confirmed the signing of Danish centre-half Andreas Christensen.
While this transfer has been on the cards for well over a year, his arrival adds valuable Premier League and Champions League experience and fits the profile of an intelligent, ball-playing defender who should slot into Xavi’s system with ease.
CB – Ronald Araujo
Much like the great Barcelona team of 2009 with Gerard Pique and Carlos Puyol, this centre-back paring has one technician and one rough and rugged…
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