By adding at least three new players this summer, Barcelona boss Xavi reportedly plans to change his starting lineup for the next season.
The Spanish coach wants to bolster his team with some top-tier players for the upcoming season. Nevertheless, he is on a tight budget and needs to earn money by selling a few players.
With this in mind, Xavi has resorted to signing three free agents, Lionel Messi, central defender Inigo Martinez and midfielder Ilkay Gundogan. All three players will come as free transfers as they will be out of contract at their respective clubs by the end of June.
According to a report by the Mirror, the signings would see Xavi move to a narrow formation or use Pedri and Gavi as wide midfielders.
However, as per the report, the move will come at the cost of French winger Ousmane Dembele, who will have to drop out of the starting XI despite being in solid form this season.
Lionel Messi’s move back to the Catalan club is still not sure, given the wages he will command. But the club and La Liga are working towards an arrangement that will make it financially possible for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to join the club.
Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has not decided where he wants to play next season, although he is open to moving to Spain. But Barcelona and Inigo Martinez have reached an agreement that will see the Spanish defender join in the summer.
Xavi’s dream staring XI at Barca next season:
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen; Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Alejandro Balde; Ilkay Gundogan, Frenkie De Jong, Pedri; Gavi, Lionel Messi, Robert Lewandowski.