What Can We Expect from Barcelona with Xavi Next Season?

Healthy midfield

We hope to see the team at full strength in the new season. The Catalans' class of midfielders doesn't raise any questions, but throughout the year (not just this one), they've had Gavi, Pedri, or Frenkie de Jong missing, forcing Xavi to improvise and assemble the midfield from those who remained available. The recovery of all injured players is Barcelona's most powerful reinforcement that could happen this summer!

Buyback/renewal of loans

Looking at the entire season and ignoring the awful past week, Joao Cancelo has thoroughly deserved his buyback. Considering the player's desire and Pep Guardiola's readiness to compromise, there shouldn't be any problems with this. The necessity of buying back Joao Felix is debatable, but considering the completely shattered relationship between the Portuguese and Atletico, renewing the loan or buying with a significant discount can already be considered a closed issue. Keeping both Joaos - another powerful reinforcement with minimal costs.

Purchase of a specialized defensive midfielder

Perhaps the only position definitely needing reinforcement is midfield. After Sergio Busquets' departure, Barcelona hasn't seen a player who would become the team's metronome, setting the attacking pace and guarding the area in front of the penalty box. Because of this, Xavi even had to move Andreas Christensen and Ilkay Gundogan into defensive midfield. The arrival of someone like Joshua Kimmich or Martin Zubimendi will balance Barcelona's game and allow other players to be used as intended.

Exiting the financial crisis

The footballing successes of the Blaugrana, as well as rumors of new sponsorship and advertising contracts, will undoubtedly positively impact the club's financial situation. Barcelona's bosses have already managed to return to the 1+1 rule (i.e., one purchase, one sale) and expand the payroll for the next season, meaning that in case of parting ways with someone from the current squad, the Catalans can organize high-profile transfers. Barcelona's summer transfer window is not going to be dull.

Integration of La Masia

The diamonds of the Catalan academy obviously don't end with just Lamine Yamale or Pau Cubarsi: talented Senegalese defender Mike Faye (who has already made his debut for the national team) is still waiting for his chance, having long outgrown the reserves in terms of his level. Xavi also highly values 18-year-old midfielder Pau Prima and forwards Victor Po and Angel Alarcon. Ansu Fati should return from loan with plenty to prove to the coach and fans. So, squad depth will be fine in Barcelona.

Published by Patrick Jane
26.04.2024