Barcelona to pair Aguero with Messi? How they could line up in 2021/22

James Shearman

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 4 min read

Barcelona have announced the signing of Sergio Aguero on a free transfer from Manchester City.

Ever since it was announced that Aguero’s contract would not be renewed by the Premier League side, speculation has been rampant about where the Argentine may end up.

READ MORE: Barcelona sign Man City striker Sergio Aguero on two-year deal

Even though he has had a season ravaged by injuries, Barcelona have snapped him up to form a dream partnership in forward areas with Lionel Messi should the club legend remain at Camp Nou.

So, with that in mind, how will Barcelona look like in the 2021/22 season with the Argentine pair? Let’s take a look.

Barcelona Predicted XI in 2021/22

Key Points

• Marc-Andre ter Stegen recently signed a new deal and will remain in goal.
• Sergino Dest and Jordi Alba will begin next season as first-choice full-backs.
• Clement Lenglet also recently signed a new deal and a left-footed option in defence is something Barca like.
• Gerard Pique could make way for new signing Eric Garcia.
• Frenkie de Jong and Miralem Pjanic will likely phase out Sergio Busquets in midfield.
• 18-year-old Pedri is the great hope for the team and will play even more next year.
• Antoine Griezmann remains on the left of the forward line.
• Messi will be free to roam on the right as we have come to expect.
• Sergio Aguero leading the line as a genuine Luis Suarez replacement.
• Ousmane Dembele’s constant fitness problems mean he can’t be relied upon.
• Philippe Coutinho still fails to impress; it’s difficult to see him having a future at the club.
• Barcelona may indeed bring in other names such as Gini Wijnaldum and Memphis Depay.

Aguero to Barca

There can be no denying that the biggest plus to signing Aguero would be keeping hold of Messi, but we mustn’t forget what the City striker can offer this team on the pitch, too.

Aguero is a very similar player to Luis Suarez, who Barcelona allowed to join La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid last summer, who would go on to win La Liga.

Messi and Suarez formed an incredible partnership in their time at Camp Nou, which could be replicated to some degree with Aguero next season.

Sergio Aguero’s stats at Manchester City

The 32-year-old’s neat control and excellent movement would make up for a perfect link between the two, and would also free Griezmann and Pedri to offer even more attacking threat.

The only issue with Aguero in recent years has been repeated injuries – he has made just seven Premier League starts this season, for example.

However, with the likes of Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele waiting in the wings, Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman would be able to rotate, taking the workload away from Aguero and instead saving him for the more important fixtures of the season.