Gundogan A, Felix C: Grading every Barcelona signing this season

Cameron Smith

• 28 Apr 2024 18:30 BST
• 4 min read

Barcelona’s recent success in the transfer market has been fairly limited, with many of their best players emerging from their immense La Masia academy.

The Blaugrana’s financial woes have meant that signing big-name players for huge fees have been problematic over the past few years and they have been forced to heavily utilise the free agent market as a result.

Below, FootballTransfers grades each of Barcelona’s signings on how well they have performed this season.

READ MORE: Palmer A, Lavia F - Grading every Chelsea signing this season

Vitor Roque (€40m from Athletico Paranaense): Grade - C

Vitor Roque was a long-term purchase and not somebody who was expected to perform immediately, however his lack of game time has been slightly surprising.

Robert Lewandowski is evidently still first-choice and Roque has been unable to displace the Poland international since arriving in the January transfer window.

The teenager has been a useful addition to Barcelona’s squad, but he is yet to fully show his talent. Time is on his side, however, and he will likely come good in the future.

READ MORE: Mount E, Hojlund C - Grading every Man Utd signing this season

Oriol Romeu (€3.4m from Girona): Grade - C

Oriol Romeu was seen as a bargain buy last summer after an encouraging campaign at Girona, but his career at Barcelona hasn’t taken off.

Viewed as a short-term Sergio Busquets replacement, Romeu started the season as first-choice, however the Spaniard has been reduced to a squad player since the end of September.

He was extremely cheap so a C may be slightly harsh, but Romeu simply hasn’t been a regular starter and he probably isn’t good enough to play a consistent role at Camp Nou.

Ilkay Gundogan (Free from Man City): Grade - A

Manchester City have certainly missed the presence of Ilkay Gundogan and Barcelona have certainly benefited from his arrival.

Although the Blaugrana have endured a disappointing campaign, Gundogan has been a reliable performer in the middle of the park and his experience has been crucial in a youthful Barca squad.

Gundogan has already hit double digits for assists in all competitions and he has been a fantastic signing.

Inigo Martinez (Free from Athletic Club): Grade - B

Given he arrived on a free transfer, Inigo Martinez has been a decent addition for Barcelona.

The Spaniard isn’t a first-choice starter, but he has played his part in 2023-24 and performed his role as a squad player admirably.

Joao Cancelo (Loan from Man City): Grade - B

Joao Cancelo’s defending has cost Barcelona on multiple occasions this season, although his attacking has been extremely useful.

The Man City loanee has therefore been a divisive arrival, but few could argue that he has been a poor addition, all things considered. He may not be worth the fee Pep Guardiola’s side would demand, however.

Joao Felix (Loan from Atletico Madrid): Grade - C

Joao Felix started his Barcelona career in great form, but his performance level has dropped and he is no longer a regular starter.

The Portuguese international has shown glimpses of his skillset, however his end product has often been missing, as it has been for much of his career since leaving Benfica.