Barcelona have been more than happy to raid Premier League clubs in the past. Ilkay Gundogan and Joao Cancelo were most recently brought in from Manchester City in the summer while Raphinha, Andreas Christensen, Marcos Alonso and Hector Bellerin arrived from England in the previous year. It has proven to be a fruitful market for Xavi’s side. Express Sport looks at current stars from the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea who could make the switch before next season to form a new-look Barcelona team…
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen
While the Premier League has a host of top goalkeepers that Barcelona may hold an interest in such as Ederson and Alisson, the La Liga side already have one of the top stoppers in the world in Marc-Andre ter Stegen. With their depleted finances after a string of spending sprees, moving the German on in favour of another goalkeeper would certainly come as a surprise.
Defence: Joao Cancelo, Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Ian Maatsen
Cancelo joined Barcelona on loan from City but could make his move permanent after quickly becoming an integral part of the team. Pep Guardiola appears keen on letting the full-back leave having moved to a new system, as Cancelo could join Gundogan as a full-time squad member.
On the other side of the defence, Barcelona have reportedly been targeting Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen. The Dutchman has played in a more advanced role under Mauricio Pochettino, but could compete with Alejandro Balde at left-back at the Nou Camp.
Spanish outlet Sport have claimed that Barcelona are exploring the possibility of signing Maatsen for free next summer as a potential replacement for Alonso, as the 21-year-old’s contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season. The Spanish club would have an advantage over English rivals for his signature, as they are able to speak to the player directly in January regarding a pre-contractual agreement as a foreign club.
Midfield: Gavi, Thiago, Pedri
Gavi and Pedri are hallmarks of the current Barcelona team and the club will hope to see them continue in their roles for many years to come, but they could be joined by Liverpool midfielder Thiago in what would be an emotional return.
His contract at Anfield is up at the end of the season and ESPN have claimed that he is being considered by Barcelona as they look to bolster their midfield while under financial restrictions.
Thiago spent eight years in Barcelona before joining Guardiola at Bayern Munich, but could spend the twilight of his career back in Spain as part of another swoop on the Premier League.
Attack: Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Jadon Sancho
Lamine Yamal is just 16 but has lit up the Nou Camp with his dazzling displays and he could be a fixture in the team by next season, alongside Robert Lewandowski and even Jadon Sancho. The United outcast appears destined to depart Old Trafford after falling out with Erik ten Hag, with Barcelona a potential landing spot.
Xavi’s side are interested in signing Sancho on loan according to Sport, especially if one of their forwards departs before next season, as the English winger could get a chance at rebuilding his career in Spain.
