FC Barcelona Summer Transfer Window 2024 Analysis: Strategies, needs, areas for improvement and financial Capabilities
Barcelona had an eventful but overall disappointing 2023-24 season. They ended their campaign without a trophy, having won the La Liga title and the Supercopa de Espana in the season before. They also sacked manager Xavi Hernandez at the end of the season and appointed Hansi Flick.
Barca had a poor start to the season and also had to deal with multiple injury issues. After a string of poor results, they fell behind Real Madrid and Girona in the La Liga title race. They lost in the Supercopa de Espana against Real Madrid. In January, Xavi announced he would step down as manager at the end of the season. This saw a big upturn in their form.
However, they were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey. Xavi announced that he would stay at Barcelona following the persuasion from the club hierarchy. However, he was eventually sacked after the season ended.
The Blaugrana had to face multiple injury issues last season and had to rely upon their academy stars towards the end of the season. It wasn’t enough to challenge their arch-rivals Real Madrid though.
Hence, they will be keen to invest well in the summer transfer window and get back to challenging for trophies next season.
Barcelona transfer strategy
Barcelona’s transfer strategy has certainly seen changes over the years. From relying heavily on their famed La Masia academy, they moved to signing superstars. However, those choices didn’t work well and due to their financial struggles, they are restricted to looking for smart opportunities instead.
Before his departure, Xavi introduced and developed a few academy graduates like Lamine Yamal, who have been brilliant. Barca will now look to develop their team around their youngsters and bring in experience where needed.
Areas for improvement
Goalkeeping
Barcelona have Marc-Andre ter Stegen as their first-choice goalkeeper and he has been excellent over the years. Inaki Pena deputized for the German when he was injured last season and was decent as well.
Unless they sell either of them, the goalkeeping department looks stable for the club.
Defense
Barca could have a lot of work to do in defense depending upon the next few weeks. Marcos Alonso and Joao Cancelo’s loan spells have ended but the club will reportedly look to re-sign the latter.
Meanwhile, Ronald Araujo’s future at the club is uncertain. As per reports, he has refused a couple of contract extension offers. With his current deal expiring in 2026, the Blaugrana could look to sell him for a big fee if he doesn’t sign an extension.
If they do, they will need to bring in a big replacement.
Midfield
In midfield, Barcelona needs a proper No. 6. They signed Oriol Romeu last season but he had an underwhelming season. Gavi suffered a big ACL injury and it remains to be seen when he’ll be back and if he can retain his earlier form.
Frenkie de Jong’s future is also under speculation and if he departs, they will need a replacement.
Attack
Barca have assembled an excellent attack with a good mix of experience and youth. They have Robert Lewandowski leading the line with Vitor Roque as his backup. Lamine Yamal has been brilliant on the right wing and Raphinha, despite his injury issues, has been good.
Joao Felix, however, has left after his loan spell and the Catalan giants will look to add at least one more attacker this summer.
Top Targets
Barcelona have been linked with a number of players across Europe this summer. One major link has been with Athletic Club winger Nico Williams. He has a €58 million release clause and has garnered attention from many top clubs. He’s formed a brilliant partnership with Lamine Yamal for Spain at Euro 2024, which could give Barca further motivation to sign him.
Aside from Yamal, Barca have also been linked with Hull City attacker Jaden Philogene. In midfield, they have been linked with Amadou Onana of Everton and Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad. They have also been long linked with Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva.
Barcelona’s defensive signings will depend a lot on Ronald Araujo’s final decision about his future. If he leaves, the club will look to sign new players.
They have already sold Marc Guiu to Chelsea. They have been linked with Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, who can operate at right back.
Financial Capabilities
Barcelona’s financial struggles are well known. This even saw them unable to keep club legend Lionel Messi in 2021 and has seen them fall short of signing their primary targets in the transfer market.
However, they appear to have started getting things back on track, due to some off-the-pitch strategies and making some clever decisions in the market. They spent €40 million on Vitor Roque last season but brought in Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer and Joao Cancelo, Joao Felix, and Inigo Martinez on loan.
Barca are likely to continue with a similar approach this summer as well. They could look to make one or two big signings while signing players on loan or on cheap. It’s important to note that this could change if Araujo and/or De Jong depart as they could bring in a significant fee.