Barcelona are in pole position to win La Liga this season, but the club’s lead is not resting. They are already making plans to gear up for next season.
The Catalan giants are chasing their holy grail – a sixth Champions League title. The last time they won was in 2015, and the painful wait continues. This season, they were knocked out by Atlético Madrid in the quarter-finals.
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Hansi Flick has now lost twice as manager after securing the La Liga title in his debut season. The German manager is hoping for more newcomers to the squad – tools that can finally give him the most prestigious European Cup trophy.
But Barcelona does not have unlimited funds. According to AS Diario, the transfers must be financed through the sale of existing stars.
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Four defenders could disappear
Three of the players the Catalan giants are considering letting leave Camp Nou are defenders. One of them is a leader both on and off the pitch: Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguayan has only started two La Liga games since taking a break from play in November due to depression. Little playing time may indicate that he is considered superfluous.
The other two who could disappear are defensemen Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde. Both have the full support of Flick and have been incredibly reliable. But if better alternatives emerge – or the club needs money – they can be sacrificed.
Great talent and La Masia pupil on his way out?
La Masia product Marc Casadó is another player who could be sold to fill the transfer coffers. He has had several suitors in recent months because of his obvious talent. But Casadó has been reluctant to leave the club – he wants to play for Barça.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia, the Premier League and La Liga follow him closely. In the past, he has turned down inquiries due to lack of playing time, but now he can choose to leave.
The fifth player who could disappear is Roony Bardghji. This case is more complicated. He is considered a great talent, and Barcelona would rather not lose him. The solution could be a sale with a buy-back option, so that he gets playing time away from the club. At the moment, he is only a reserve for Lamine Yamal on the right wing.
Dream shopper on the way in
Barcelona have also been linked with several stars for the summer. Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid) and Alessandro Bastoni (Inter) seem to be at the top of their wish list.
According to El Chiringuito TV, the club is also chasing four other players – including two full-backs. This may explain why Koundé and Balde are considered sold.
Denzel Dumfries (Inter) has proven to be a reliable option for the Italians for several seasons. The other full-back they are chasing is a Catalan player who previously played for Espanyol: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea).
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City) is also linked with the club. The Portuguese is available on a free transfer in the summer. But Barcelona face tough competition for his signature.
Finally: Youssef Diomandé (RB Leipzig). The Ivorian has impressed in the Bundesliga this season and has also been linked with Liverpool. But the lure of one of the world’s most iconic clubs – and the chance to play alongside Lamine Yamal – may be too strong to resist.
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