Barcelona aiming to sign four free agents in the summer of 2022

Barcelona’s financial problems forced them into dipping their toes into the free-agent pool this past summer as they brought in Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero on Bosman deals.

And barring Aguero, who is sidelined with an unfortunate health condition, things seem to have worked out well for the Catalan giants. Depay has had his critics, but has chipped in with some important goals while Garcia, despite some errors, has age on his side and can develop well under the right guidance.

Given the relative degree of success and the financial situation not improving, the Blaugrana will once again be scouring the market for free agents come 2022, reports Mundo Deportivo, with the club’s eyes particularly fixated on four players.

As per the report, Barca have their sights set on AFC Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani and Chelsea defensive duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen.

Onana is a player that the Catalan heavyweights know well, having seen him come through the ranks at La Masia before he left for Ajax in search of first-team football. He has since achieved a lot of success in the Netherlands, although he has not played for the majority of 2021 due to a doping ban.

The Cameroonian will be out of contract at the end of the season, with both the player and his club confirming that an extension will not be discussed. With there being some question marks over the future of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Onana can be a smart signing for Barca.

As for Cavani, the 34-year-old has grown frustrated with the lack of game-time at Manchester United this term and is keen on a move to Barcelona at the end of the season when his deal runs out. Given the lack of options in the No. 9 slot, an experienced, proven goalscorer like the Uruguayan would be a welcome addition at Camp Nou, even if it would be a short-term fix.

The last two names on Barca’s free-agent wishlist are Chelsea’s Azpilicueta and Christensen. Unlike the situation of the two players mentioned previously, the Blues want to keep hold of their defensive duo and are still trying to negotiate new contracts with the pair. But, if they fail to do so, Xavi Hernandez & co. can stand to benefit greatly from their signings.

Azpilicueta is a vastly experienced customer and can provide cover at right-back and centre-back, while Christensen, who has his best years in front of him, can form the crux of the Barcelona defence in the long run.

It remains to be seen who the Catalans end up signing, but expect the club to look into the free-agent market once again.