Raphinha? Lewandowski? Januzaj? All of Barcelona's transfer targets, ranked

Paul Macdonald

Updated: 25 May 2022 02:01 CDT
5 min read

Barcelona's financial situation is well-known, but that hasn't stopped a whole galaxy of players being linked with a move to Camp Nou this summer.

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The club's €1.2 billion of debt is being managed at the moment, and given some high earners have been moved out, such as Philippe Coutinho, there is some room for Xavi to continue to reshape the team for the future.

But some of these rumours are simply that - rumours, ones that are very unlikely to happen. Some others, however, are backed up by logic.

Here at FootballTransfers we've taken the list of players linked with a move and ranked them in order of the probability of them happening.

Barcelona transfers: CERTAIN

Andreas Christensen (Chelsea, Free)

Christensen's move is yet to be confirmed but the deal is all but done for the central defender to move to Camp Nou on a free transfer.

There have been concerns about the Dane's mental state recently after Thomas Tuchel admitted the player had said on more than one occasion that he wasn't ready to play - Barcelona will be hopeful that the 26-year-old can get help and manage his problems, to showcase his talent to the maximum.

Franck Kessie (AC Milan, Free)

Franck Kessie, Milan, 2021/22 — © ProShots

This one is not much of a secret - Kessie effectively agreed to reject Milan's offer of an extension and join Barcelona a few months ago.

The deal has not been signed yet, but barring a last-minute u-turn he will be heading to Camp Nou next season.

Barcelona transfers: LIKELY

Raphinha (Leeds, FT value €44m)

Raphinha was one of the principal factors in Leeds staying in the Premier League for another season, but that last-day survival was bad news for Barcelona.

The Brazilian had a €25m release clause in his contract should Leeds be relegated, and staying up means Leeds can now demand closer to his actual release clause, which is €75m. They have already had a €55m bid rejected, but this could be Barca's one big signing of the summer, in terms of a significant fee.

Robert Lewandowski (Bayern, FT value €48m)

Lewandowski's agent has pretty much confirmed that his client is bringing to an end his hugely successful spell at Bayern Munich and that he is signing for his 'dream club'.

Given the Pole's statements about Barcelona in the past, it's not a secret whatsoever that he will be moving to Camp Nou. The ONLY thing that might get in the way is Real Madrid being denied by Kylian Mbappe...

Barcelona transfers: 50/50

Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea, FT Value €9m)

Cesar Azpilicueta in a Champions League match for Chelsea. — © ProShots

Barcelona may very likely return to Chelsea for Cesar Azpilicueta, who is out of contract in 2023 and, given Chelsea's situation, could move on for a small fee.

The full-back, who has also featured as part of a back three this season, is open to a move to Camp Nou, but Barcelona already have relative cover on the right in the form of Sergino Dest and if Dani Alves renews for another year, it may mean this isn't a priority for Barca.

Marcos Alonso (Chelsea, FT Value €11m)

Barcelona have struggled for cover for Jordi Alba for years, with failed signings such as Junior Firpo failing to provide an adequate alternative.

Alonso does tick some boxes and is out of contract in 12 months; again with the situation at Chelsea they make look to cash in at a cut-price fee, with Ben Chilwell due to return from injury.

Kenan Yildiz (Bayern Munich, Free)

Barcelona have been pursuing the young Turkish talent for some time and believe that they have an excellent chance of landing him this summer.

The club's experience in developing youth will be an important factor, but nothing is decided as of yet.

Barcelona transfers: UNLIKELY

Angel Di Maria (PSG, Free)

Angel Di Maria, PSG, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Di Maria has departed PSG on a free and is in talks with Juventus. The Argentine is 34 now, however, and given Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is there, coupled with the likely arrival of Robert Lewandowski, it seems highly unlikely that another high-earning but ageing attacker will be added into the mix.

Adnan Januzaj (Real Sociedad, Free)

Just in the last day or so has the former Manchester United winger been linked with Barcelona and while he would be reasonably cheap, it does seem unlikely.

His standard and profile is not of Barcelona quality but that hasn't stopped them in recent years. Still, we'd be surprised if this one happens.

Thomas Meunier (Dortmund, FT Value: €12m)

Rumours on this one have gone quiet of late as Barcelona have shifted focus elsewhere but for a while Meunier was thought to be an option on the right.

With the Azpilicueta links, plus the players who can already feature in that position, it would seem that a move that would involve a transfer fee is unlikely at this point.