Barcelona has been left chasing the highs of the previous season, experiencing everything from the celebration of an iconic double to the sorrow of a campaign without a title.
The inability of the Catalan giants to spend a lot of money on players during the previous transfer window meant that their efforts to enhance the squad were considerably hindered, and it is probable that this pattern will continue to be the case once more.
In the end, the fact that Xavi Hernandez, the club’s coach, has been openly vocal about the club’s unstable financial situation is a major factor that could lead to his departure from the position.
As a consequence of this, Barcelona will be need to come up with innovative strategies in order to obtain reinforcements without putting the club’s long-term financial stability at risk.
In addition, the usage of free agents is a strategy that Joan Laporta’s board of directors has regularly chosen to implement.
In the forthcoming summer transfer window, Barcelona has the opportunity to sign five free agents. Here are those players.
1. Guido Rodriguez
The Argentine player who won the World Cup was in Barcelona’s sights during the summer of 2017, but the Catalan club’s financial difficulties prevented them from making a significant move to acquire his services.
Nevertheless, the fact that Rodriguez’s contract with Betis is set to expire this summer presents Barcelona with the invaluable possibility to acquire Rodriguez at no cost in the year 2024.
One of the most significant issues that Barcelona is facing is a lack of depth in the defensive midfield position. Rodriguez would immediately fix this problem.
In point of fact, the Argentine is the only midfielder in La Liga to rank in the 90th percentile or higher for both defensive actions and duel win rate.
The Barcelona club has the intention of signing him as a substitute for Oriol Romeu and considers him to be a good choice for strengthening the team’s roster rather than a starting midfielder.
2. Adrien Rabiot
In light of the fact that Adrien Rabiot is getting close to the end of his contract, the idea of him returning this summer is once again being considered. Rabiot is a name that is well-known in the Catalan newspapers.
Versatility, security in possession, and most importantly, experience are all qualities that the French midfielder, who is presently playing for Juventus, possesses.
As a result of Rabiot’s purchase, Barcelona will be able to provide a reliable presence in the double pivot position while simultaneously increasing the level of competition in the interior midfield positions.
The Frenchman’s box-to-box and physical profile are not readily available at Barcelona, despite the fact that he is not the most creative or defensively sturdy player in the team.
Furthermore, Rabiot has contributed to a respectable total of eight goals and assists for Juventus this season, making him a promising player.
3. Wilfred Ndidi
Being the recently crowned EFL Championship winner with Leicester, Wilfred Ndidi has several clubs eyeing his situation with interest.
With a physical profile on the agenda to fortify the midfield, he could provide the defensive solidity Barcelona desperately need.
Admittedly, Ndidi has evolved into more of a box-to-box profile with contributions higher up the pitch.
The 27-year-old is renowned for his tackling and interception qualities and boasts experience in the physically taxing Premier League.
Considering he is also the youngest player on this list, Barcelona could potentially profit from him in the future too, as they did with Franck Kessie.
4. Anthony Martial
Throwing the focus in the offensive department, Barcelona have only declared Lamine Yamal untouchable and would be open to hearing offers for most of their forwards.
With revelations regarding Vitor Roque’s discontent surfacing, an additional option in the centre-forward position may become a priority. This is where Antony Martial could slot in.
Martial has struggled to make Manchester United’s squad list as of late and is all set to depart on a free transfer.
In the event Roque hits the exit door, he can prove to be valuable with his experience both as a center forward and on the flanks.
The Frenchman has struggled with several spells of inconsistency with the Red Devils, and a fresh start in Catalonia may be what the 28-year-old is looking for to revive his career.
5. Thiago Alcantara
Xavi Simons and Dani Olmo are two players that Barcelona has a great deal of respect for, and they are among the many past academy graduates that the club is interested in signing.
On the other hand, the reopening of the summer transfer market opens the door to the prospect of a reunion with Thiago Alcantara, who was also a previous star of the academy.
In light of the fact that Liverpool has already made it official that the Spaniard will leave as a free agent at the end of the season, Barcelona will have the opportunity to swoop in and grab his services.
Thiago, who is 33 years old and is not getting any younger, suffers from periodic injury lapses. However, if Barcelona wants to count on an experienced figure in a midfield that is otherwise youthful, Thiago may be a perfect fit for the team.
In point of fact, Thiago’s familiarity with the club’s culture and the inner workings of the organization might also prove to be useful.