Barcelona's 2024 transfer plans revealed
Cameron Smith
- 10 Oct 2023 20:37 BST
- 3 min read
Barcelona want to sign two full-backs and a defensive midfielder in 2024 as they begin their preparations for next summer’s transfer window, according to ESPN.
Blaugrana head coach Xavi wants two options per position next season, as per the report, and believes that Oriol Romeu needs support as Sergio Busquets’ replacement.
However, the Spanish giants’ financial issues mean they must target free transfers yet again.
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The likes of Memphis Depay, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie have joined Barca on a Bosman deal over the past few years and Xavi is set to be hamstrung in his transfer market dealings once again.
Despite that, the Blaugrana boss wants to sign full-back upgrades as he seeks better back-up options for Alejandro Balde and Joao Cancelo.
Marcos Alonso and club captain Sergi Roberto are currently Barca’s second string full-back pairing, but ESPN have reported that Xavi wants to sign improvements in those two positions.
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His desire for better full-backs may be enhanced by the fact Cancelo may not join on a permanent deal. The Portugal international is currently on loan at Camp Nou from Manchester City and it’s unknown whether Barcelona will be able to afford to sign him permanently next summer.
Joao Felix is also on loan at Barcelona and Cancelo’s countryman will reportedly cost €80 million if the Catalan side want to buy him on a permanent deal from Atletico Madrid. As a result, that may make signing Cancelo far more tricky given Barca’s lack of money.
Barcelona want Foyth
According to ESPN, Villarreal’s Juan Foyth is an option for Barcelona as they look to sign at least one full-back, but Xavi’s side may be forced to pay his €54.6m release clause.
The Argentine was linked with an exit during the summer, but Villarreal were unwilling to sanction a sale for less than his release clause. It’s believed their stance is unlikely to have changed.
