Barcelona is already mapping out its strategy for the upcoming summer transfer window, and it’s shaping up to be a busy one. While Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez and Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni remain top priorities, the club’s sporting director, Deco, is also exploring a range of alternative options to bolster Xavi Hernández’s squad. The Catalan giants are preparing for a potentially transformative period, balancing ambition with the ongoing realities of financial fair play.
Priority Targets: Álvarez and Bastoni
Julián Álvarez, 26, is considered the ideal addition to Barcelona’s attack, prized for his quality, age, and marketability. The Argentine forward has been a consistent performer for Atlético Madrid, and his arrival would provide a significant boost to Barcelona’s goalscoring threat. Alessandro Bastoni, also 26, is viewed as the preferred solution to reinforce the left side of central defense. The Italian international’s composure and passing range would fit seamlessly into Barcelona’s possession-based style of play.
However, securing both players won’t be straightforward. Reports indicate Barcelona is hoping to acquire Bastoni for a fee of €60 million, but Inter Milan is reportedly holding firm. Álvarez is valued at €70 million, though Barcelona believes his price tag could be negotiable given his recent form at club level. The club is carefully assessing its financial capabilities, with president Joan Laporta previously stating the club is “capable of making a significant investment” this summer.
Contingency Plans: Attacking Options
Beyond Álvarez, Barcelona is also considering alternatives in the attacking positions. Marcus Rashford, currently at Manchester United, is a potential option, with the club potentially able to secure his services for €30 million. However, Rashford’s wage demands are substantial. Should Barcelona be unable to land their primary targets, they have identified young talent as a viable path forward.
Jan Virgili, 19, currently with Mallorca, is a player well-known to the Barcelona hierarchy, having previously been part of La Masia’s youth system. Mallorca acquired Virgili last summer for around €4 million, but Barcelona retained 40% ownership, meaning any potential repurchase would require negotiating a market price and covering the remaining 60%. Barcelona also holds a right of first refusal on the player, giving them priority should another club develop an offer.
Another winger on Barcelona’s radar is Andreas Schjelderup, 21, of Benfica. The Norwegian international has impressed in both the Portuguese league and the Champions League. The appeal of Schjelderup, and Virgili, lies in their age and potential, which would likely translate to more manageable wage demands, aiding Barcelona’s financial fair play compliance.
Strengthening the Backline and Goalkeeping Options
Beyond central defense, Barcelona is also evaluating options at full-back. Andrea Cambiaso, 26, of Juventus, is a versatile player capable of playing on both flanks. His ability to contribute on either side of the defense could prove valuable, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding the future of João Cancelo, who is currently on loan from Al Hilal. Al Hilal is reportedly seeking €15 million for Cancelo, a figure his representatives consider speculative, but his continued good form strengthens his position.
Alejandro Grimaldo, 30, a familiar face to Barcelona fans, remains an option at left-back. His contract with Bayer Leverkusen expires next year, potentially making him a more affordable option than Cancelo.
The goalkeeping position is also under review. Wojciech Szczęsny, 35, could depart this summer, creating a need for a new backup to Joan Garcia. Barcelona is monitoring the situation of Alex Remiro, 31, of Real Sociedad, who has reportedly emerged as a potential target.
Barcelona currently has a surplus of goalkeepers under contract (Szczęsny, Kochen, Peña, Yaako) alongside Garcia, necessitating careful management of the position. Deco is reportedly keen on adding Remiro to the squad, believing a partnership with Garcia would create one of the strongest goalkeeping duos in the world.
The summer transfer window promises to be a critical period for Barcelona as they strive to strengthen their squad and compete at the highest level. Deco’s proactive approach, identifying both primary targets and viable alternatives, demonstrates a commitment to building a competitive team, even within the constraints of financial fair play.
Barcelona’s next confirmed fixture is a La Liga match against Villarreal on April 12th at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The club will continue to assess its options and refine its transfer strategy in the lead-up to the summer window.
What do you think? Are Barcelona’s transfer priorities realistic, or should they focus on developing young talent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
