Barcelona is actively scouting the transfer market as they intensify their preparations for the upcoming season, according to sources at ESPN.
Coach Xavi Hernandez is keen on bolstering the squad with two players for each position to enhance competition. Specifically, he’s looking to bring in a defensive midfielder and two full-backs.
In the midfield, Xavi believes competition is crucial for Oriol Romeu, who currently occupies the base of the midfield. Romeu, at 32, joined the team this season as a cost-effective replacement for Sergio Busquets, who departed for Inter Miami.
Barcelona’s financial constraints necessitate targeting players who are either free agents or entering the final years of their contracts.
Interestingly, sources have revealed that Joshua Kimmich was presented as an option to Barcelona during the summer transfer window. While a deal wasn’t feasible then, Barcelona continues to monitor the German midfielder’s situation.
Bayern Munich’s Kimmich has a contract expiring in 2025, and Barcelona believes they might be able to negotiate a transfer at the end of the season.
Xavi admires Kimmich but is also considering other options like Arsenal’s Jorginho, Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara, and Real Betis’ Guido Rodríguez.
In the full-back positions, Barcelona seems content with the performances of João Cancelo and Alejandro Balde. However, uncertainty looms over Cancelo’s long-term future as Barcelona lacks an option to make his loan move from Manchester City permanent. Negotiations with City would be required.
Nonetheless, Barcelona intends to secure two new full-backs because Sergi Roberto and Marcos Alonso are both in the final year of their contracts.
Villarreal’s Juan Foyth has been considered, but the cost may pose a challenge. Last summer, Villarreal demanded Foyth’s €54.6 million release clause, and he is under contract until 2026. Barcelona believes that Villarreal might be more open to offers moving forward.
Xavi also aims to acquire a new striker to provide competition and eventually succeed Robert Lewandowski. The club has a deal in place to sign Athletico Paranaense’s Vitor Roque, an 18-year-old talent.
Roque’s transfer is anticipated either in January or the following summer, depending on La Liga’s registration timeline.