Here’s How Barcelona attack could look next season after three possible signings
Even though Joan Laporta said during his presidential election run-up that there are no transition seasons at a club like Barcelona, that is far from the truth.
After clearing a bunch of players that were surplus to requirements over the last two summers, Barcelona are well and truly undergoing a period of transition. New coach, new players, and a much more level-headed mentality regarding decision-making.
While the Catalans signed a bunch of players in the summer of 2022, including Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, among others, they are expected to go hard in the 2023 summer transfer window.
While positions such as right-back, defensive midfield, and central midfield are in need of bolstering, the last two goalless draws against Girona and Getafe have made it clear that Barcelona also need to add depth to their attack.
Victor Malo has reported that Xavi and Mateu Alemany are already working on strengthening the forward line, with three objectives: Yannick Carrasco, Ez Abde, and a number nine.
This is how Barcelona’s attack could look like next season, if things go according to plan.
Right-wing: Ousmane Dembele and Raphinha
Ousmane Dembele is inarguably Xavi’s first-choice right-winger, but Raphinha’s inclusion has been nothing short of a boost to the side. The Brazilian has six goals and four assists in the league across 27 games, and is giving Dembouz a tough time in that position.
While Raphinha’s inconsistent form has linked him to an exit in the summer, it has been reported that Xavi does not intent on letting the ex-Leeds United man leave this early. He is in his plans for next season.
Meanwhile, Dembele is expected to sign a longer contract extension.
Striker: Lewandowski and Thuram/Roque/Aubameyang
Despite scoring four goals in his last ten appearances in the league, Robert Lewandowski is still the leading scorer of La Liga, with 17 goals in 25 appearances. However, he often carries too much of the goalscoring burden for Barça, and desperately needs some backup.
This is where Barcelona are targeting one of Marcus Thuram, Vitor Roque, or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Thuram is set to become a free agent in the summer and has not taken a final call on his future, yet. The Frenchman can also play as a left-winger, and Barcelona are keeping tabs on his situation, with his father openly suggesting a move to the Camp Nou would be huge.
Roque, meanwhile, carries a transfer sum of around €50 million, which Barcelona hope to divide into installments. It is clear, though, that he is their chosen target for the CF position in the long-term.
Finally, Aubameyang is the most interesting case. He is currently contracted to Chelsea, who will not let him leave for free. However, the Gabonese has not found a place at Stamford Bridge and will likely push for a return.
He is on excellent terms with Xavi and the administration, and is ready to lower his salary massively to push the transfer through.
Left-wing: Yannick Carrasco and Ez Abde
Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati are the current natural picks for the left-wing under Xavi. However, both of them have been largely misfiring this season, and have a total of seven goals between them. All signs point towards an exit from the Camp Nou in the summer.
Yannick Carrasco and Ez Abde are expected to replace them. Both operations are largely simple, in theory, but warrant approval from La Liga.
Barcelona currently hold an option to purchase Carrasco in the summer for under €20 million as part of the deal to sell Memphis Depay. However, they will be looking to pay no more than €9-10 million for his services.
As far as Abde is concerned, the Moroccan is still contracted to Barcelona, but is currently on loan at Osasuna. The coaching staff are impressed with his loan tenure so far and will be looking to retain his services for next season.
If reports are believed, Barcelona will only consider letting go of Abde if a good offer arrives, with a few clubs from Premier League interested.
