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Barcelona ended the 2021/22 season without a trophy and now it’s up to the Catalan giants to retool for a revitalized campaign next season.
The club made a strong push in the second half and secured Champions League play for next season, saving face for an otherwise fruitless season.
Nevertheless, there are many questions to be answered. A fresh face in January, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made a smart acquisition, finding his best form at the Camp Nou and helping Barcelona finish second in the league. Still, Aubameyang is 34 years old and could be dead.
Ousmane Dembele is out of contract and could leave the club on a free transfer this summer and there are rumors of a necessary midfield upgrade.
The biggest elephant in the room for Barcelona is the club’s ongoing financial situation. It is widely believed that the club are in a bad financial position and have to generate the bulk of their transfer money by selling players of near-equivalent value. This should be kept in mind by both club and supporters as Barcelona navigate the transfer window and lower value transfers could become a priority given the club’s financial position.
The Sporting News rounds up the most important updates – all day, every day – below.
BARCELONA CONFIRMED OFFERS: Transfers in | Transfers from | Roster list updated
BARCELONA ANALYSIS:
Latest Barcelona transfers news
Last update: June 10th
Bernardo Silva drops Barcelona transfer hint
Manchester City schemer Bernardo Silva has hinted he could be ready to leave Pep Guardiola’s side this summer.
Barcelona have been linked with a move for the Portugal international despite their importance to City and the former Benfica star admitted his future remains unresolved.
“Unfortunately, I can’t give an answer on my future as I’m with the national team and I’m very focused on the remaining game,” said O Jogo. “When the season ends, we’ll see what happens.”
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that a meeting between Silva’s agent Jorge Mendes and Blaugrana boss Xavi included talks over a possible fall of the 27-year-old.
I’m told that the main name mentioned at last night’s meeting between Barcelona and Jorge Mendes was Bernardo Silva. Xavi, big fan. 🇵🇹 #FCB
Man City will set a high price for Bernardo. It’s not a possible deal for Barça at the moment – just in case Frenkie de Jong leaves.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 9, 2022
Barcelona and Juventus are fighting for Ilkay Gundogan
Barcelona could turn their attention to City star Ilkay Gundogan ahead of the 2022/23 season, although Serie A giants Juventus are interested in him.
Xavi intends to strengthen his squad in the coming weeks, with reports from German newspaper Bild claiming he’s keeping an eye on Gundogan.
Gundogan has been linked with a move from the Etihad Stadium — although he scored the two goals that clinched the Premier League title — His contract expires in 2023.
🎙️ “ILKAY GUNDOGAN YOU LITTLE DANCER!!” 🕺
Manchester City are turning it around at the Etihad!! IMPRESSIVE!! pic.twitter.com/4tRqwuvJUj
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
The 31-year-old would like to have a consistent starting spot ahead of the 2022 World Cup as his changing role at City is a source of frustration for the former Borussia Dortmund man.
Any move for Gundogan is only likely to continue if Dutch star Frenkie de Jong decides to leave, with Manchester United chasing him.
Ferran Torres turned down a move to Real Madrid
Ferran Torres has revealed that he turned down a move to Real Madrid earlier in his career.
The Spaniard has opened his first La Liga season after leaving Manchester City in January and he is confident in Xavi’s project at the Camp Nou.
“I could have stayed at City and won many trophies but I wanted a new challenge. Signing for Barcelona is an honor and when Xavi calls it’s a no-brainer,” he said of Marca.
“I’m proud that Robert Lewandowski is motivated to come to Barcelona. I hope he agrees and joins in.”
“When I was young I had several opportunities to sign for Real Madrid but it wasn’t the right time. An offer came during the World Cup but I went to the Valencia first team and I think it was good. “
“With the other offers, I put more emphasis on being closer to home and staying with my family.”
Barcelona are linked with Villarreal star Gerard Moreno
Barcelona are laying out backup plans in case they don’t strike a deal for Bayern Munich superstar Robert Lewandowski this summer.
Polish hitman Lewandowski has been heavily linked with a move to the Camp Nou but Bayern will likely fight hard to keep their star.
According to reports from Diario Sport, the Blaugrana have now moved on to something else as a contingency, with Villarreal’s Gerard Moreno an option for Xavi.
Moreno’s current release clause is €100m (£85.4m/$107m) but the Yellow Submarine could accept half of that sum after missing out on a place in next season’s Champions League qualifiers.
Lewandowski asks for a change
The relationship between club and player is completely broken, Lewandowski said: “My story with Bayern is over.” Bayern managing director Oliver Kahn, who was not satisfied with this final public statement, countered: “I can’t tell you why Robert chose this path. Appreciation is a two-way street.” According to Spanish publication Sport, Lewandowski has decided he will stick it out in Bayern Munich’s preseason.
Last UPDATE (June 6th): Lewandowski continues to push for change saying “Something died in me, I want to leave FC Bayern to have more emotions in my life.” Two days earlier, Fabrizio Romano reported that Lewandowski has a verbal agreement on a three-year deal at Barcelona.
Barcelona have been considered frontrunners for Lewandowski’s signature for months, but according to La Liga boss Javier Tebas at the end of May, the Catalan club “need to sell assets and make more [revenue]”To create such a big stir. “Today they can’t sign him,” Tebas said, looking at Lewandowski.
Dembele in new contract talks
Ousmane Dembele is out of contract this summer and while it seemed certain in January that the Frenchman would leave the club, Barcelona’s excellent form in the second half of the season has apparently reconsidered their position.
With Dembele now free to speak to other clubs, Barcelona are forced to compete on the open market to re-sign their 25-year-old away man. If Dembele leaves, it could spark several rumors about other wingers as substitutes, such as Leeds United’s Raphinha.
Last UPDATE (June 6th): While ESPN reported in April that contract talks had resumed, Barcelona now have to compete in the open market and that could prove difficult. Spanish publication Sport report that PSG have backed out of Dembele’s signing, leaving only Chelsea and Barcelona as options. Mundo Deportivo, meanwhile, report that Barcelona are also considering an exit from negotiations with Dembele, having already presented a final contract offer that will not be increased.
Join Neves of Wolves?
Midfield is an important position for Barcelona and Wolves star Ruben Neves, 25, may be looking for an upgrade with his contract expiring in two years. The Portugal international has been a star in the Premier League midfield for years and could thrive at Barcelona if he’s surrounded by talent. Wolves are likely to demand a hefty transfer fee for the club’s most valuable player.
Last UPDATE (June 6th): Spanish publication Sport reported in late April that agent Jorge Mendes was working on a deal to bring Neves to Barcelona and they pushed that further recently. Sport (as shared by SportWitness) have now reported that the Spanish side have offered Riqui Puig, Oscar Mingueza and Martin Braithwaite as make-goods because Wolves’ valuation of Neves (€50m) is out of Barcelona’s reach Deal but the only player Wolves care about is Nico Gonzalez.
Will Frenkie de Jong leave?
Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong has settled into an everyday role at Barcelona but there has been massive speculation that the club could sacrifice de Jong as a valuable asset to raise the funds needed for other transfers. De Jong himself stated that he ‘would prefer to stay at Barcelona’ but he could be pushed into leaving if a worthwhile deal materializes.
Last UPDATE (June 6th): According to Spanish publication Sport, Manchester United have approved the necessary funds to secure a deal for De Jong but the main hurdle remaining is convincing the player to leave Barcelona.
Is Raphinha coming from Leeds United?
Leeds United are considering selling Raphinha this summer as the 25-year-old Brazilian is a wanted man with just two years left on his contract. Still, Raphinha’s departure would significantly reduce the talent in the squad and after only clinching victory in a relegation battle last season it could prove costly.
Last UPDATE (June 5th): According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds will only consider selling Raphinha on two pre-determined ‘conditions’: that it bring in a profit of €55m (US$59m/£47m) and that the payment be made in one installment. That will annoy Barcelona who have very little financial flexibility this summer.
Barcelona transfers: Summer 2022 transfer window
Players present:
| date | player | position | Age | association | Transfer/Rental Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
players from:
| date | player | position | Age | association | Transfer/Rental Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30th | Luuk de Jong | ST | 30 | Seville | return of the loan |
Below is the updated Barcelona first-team squad. New additions during the 2022 summer window are in bold:
Goalkeeper (3): Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Neto, Arnau Tenas
Defenders (10): Jordi Alba (LB), Dani Alves (RB), Ronald Araujo (CB), Alex Balde (LB), Sergino Dest (RB), Eric Garcia (CB), Clement Lenglet (CB), Oscar Mingueza (CB), Gerard Pique (CB), Samuel Umtiti (CB).
Midfielder (7): Sergio Busquets (DM), Frenkie de Jong (CM), Pedri (CM), Gavi (CM), Nico Gonzalez (CM), Riqui Puig (CM), Sergi Roberto (CM).
Forward (8): Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (CF), Martin Braithwaite (CF), Ousmane Dembele (RW), Memphis Depay (CF), Ansu Fati (LW), Ferran Torres (RW), Adama Traore (RW)
CB = center back; LB = left back; RB = Right-Back; ZM = central midfielder; CAM = Attacking Midfielder; CF = Center Forward; LW = left wing; RW = right wing
The current first-choice starting line-up predicted by Barcelona if fully healthy currently looks like this:
Barcelona predicted starting XI (4-3-3, left to right): Ter Stegen (TG) – Alba, Pique, Araujo, Alves – F. de Jong, Busquets, Pedri – Torres, Aubameyang, Dembele.