After successfully persuading Xavi Hernandez to continue his tenure at Camp Nou beyond the current season, the Barcelona board has swiftly shifted its focus towards preparing for the upcoming campaign.
The club is diligently engaged in identifying players who not only possess the necessary quality to enhance the team but also come at a reasonable cost, ensuring financial prudence in their acquisitions.
To achieve this objective, a recent report from Culemania has unveiled the blueprint of the ideal squad meticulously crafted by Xavi and the club’s sporting director, Deco, for the impending 2024/25 season.
Barcelona’s ideal 2024/25 squad
According to the report, Barcelona’s primary aim is to intensify competition within the squad. Hence, the plan is to have 24 players in the team for the upcoming season, with a significant emphasis on integrating young talents into the fold.
Already, there have been reports indicating Xavi’s intention to elevate promising young centre-back Mika Faye to the senior side during the summer transfer window.
Regarding the ideal starting eleven, Barcelona intends to maintain stability in the goalkeeping department, with no alterations planned. Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Inaki Pena are set to retain their positions as the goalkeeping options for coach Xavi.
However, changes are anticipated in the remaining defensive positions. Marcos Alonso’s departure is already confirmed, leaving a void that needs filling. Additionally, there’s speculation surrounding the future of Inigo Martinez, who could be permitted to leave if Barcelona receives a substantial offer for his services.
Ronald Araujo’s future at Barcelona has come under scrutiny, with reports suggesting potential interest from other clubs. Despite this, Barcelona is determined to hold onto the Uruguayan international and will do everything within their power to retain him. However, the club may be open to considering offers if esteemed clubs like Bayern Munich present bids within the €80-100 million range.
To consolidate, Barcelona’s projected defensive roster for the upcoming season could see the inclusion of Ronald Araujo, alongside players such as Andreas Christensen, Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsi, Hector Fort, and Julian Araujo. Additionally, there’s a likelihood of young talent Mika Faye being elevated to the senior squad.
Changes in midfield and attack
Several reports have consistently underscored Barcelona’s pressing requirement to bolster their midfield with the addition of a new defensive midfielder, which stands as their utmost priority. In this endeavor, Barcelona is poised to facilitate the departure of Oriol Romeu to create space and resources for the recruitment of fresh talent in this crucial role.
Furthermore, Barcelona is contemplating the potential departure of Frenkie de Jong. Understanding the significant financial implications of such a move, the club views this as a strategic maneuver to generate substantial funds. These funds could then be reinvested to secure their top targets in the transfer market, thereby strengthening the squad’s overall competitiveness and addressing key areas of need.
Regarding midfield reinforcements, Barcelona has identified Joshua Kimmich as their top priority signing. Kimmich is viewed as the quintessential solution to Barcelona’s number six conundrum, with his versatility, tactical acumen, and midfield mastery making him an ideal fit for the club’s needs.
Additionally, Xavi has set his sights on Martin Zubimendi as another potential target. Zubimendi’s emergence as a promising talent in midfield has not gone unnoticed, and Barcelona sees him as a valuable addition to their roster. With his technical skills, tactical intelligence, and ability to dictate play, Zubimendi could offer a dynamic presence in the Barcelona midfield under Xavi’s guidance.
Barcelona’s summer agenda extends beyond defensive and midfield reinforcements to include the acquisition of a creative midfield maestro. Amidst this pursuit, Bernardo Silva emerges as a prime target, with speculation swirling about his potential availability in the transfer market. The Portuguese international is reportedly eager to don the iconic Blaugrana jersey, adding fuel to the speculation surrounding his prospective move to Camp Nou.
Shifting focus to the attacking front, Barcelona aims to uphold continuity by retaining several key players. Spearheading the frontline, Robert Lewandowski stands tall as a formidable goal-scoring force, poised to lead Barcelona’s offensive charge in the upcoming season. Alongside him, the likes of Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Ferran Torres, Raphinha, and Vitor Roque are all slated to continue their roles, ensuring a potent and versatile attacking arsenal for coach Xavi’s tactical orchestrations.
Barcelona’s roster planning extends to both retention and promotion strategies. Alongside their efforts to secure fresh talent, the club is keen on maintaining the continuity of Joao Felix, the gifted forward whose potential acquisition hinges on successful negotiations with Atletico Madrid. Recognizing Felix’s prowess and potential impact, Barcelona is eager to finalize an agreement that would see him don the Blaugrana colors in the upcoming season.
Moreover, Barcelona is poised to inject youthful exuberance into their ranks by considering the elevation of promising talents. Among these prospects, Marc Guiu stands out as a potential candidate for promotion, with his talent and dedication earning recognition within the club’s ranks. Additionally, Alex Valle emerges as another contender following his impressive loan stint at Levante, where he showcased his capabilities and readiness for first-team action.
However, as the club strives for renewal and optimization, Barcelona has made definitive decisions regarding player departures. Ansu Fati, Sergino Dest, Clement Lenglet, and Eric Garcia find themselves surplus to requirements, with the club signaling their readiness to part ways. These players, deemed surplus to the club’s long-term vision, will be allowed to pursue opportunities elsewhere as Barcelona seeks to streamline its squad and usher in a new era of competitiveness.