Barcelona’s four ‘Plan A’ targets for the summer transfer window

Despite making some big signings last summer, Barcelona were not quite able to plug all the holes in their squad ahead of a big season for Xavi and co.

Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha reinforced the attack, while Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen bolstered the backline. Franck Kessie and Pablo Torre were brought in to add depth to the midfield.

However, it was evident that the team still needed a new right-back, a replacement for Sergio Busquets, a backup for Robert Lewandowski, and possibly a left-footed centre-back.

Barcelona have listed four players as ‘Plan A’ to reinforce these positions, as per a report by Javi Miguel. Namely, these are Vitor Roque, Martin Zubimendi, Juan Foyth, and Inigo Martinez.

ST: Roque

A striker by trade, Athletico’s Roque can also play on the wings, and has been on Barcelona’s radar for a few months now. He is their answer to Madrid signing Endrick.

The 18-year-old has already gone on record to admit that he is ready to play for Barcelona, and will prioritise a move to the Catalans even though there are other clubs interested in his signature.

That said, Barcelona will need to shell out more then €25-30 million to sign him, as per recent reports.

Other potential targets: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

DM: Zubimendi

Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is Xavi’s first-choice to replace Sergio Busquets in the long-term. At 24, the Spaniard could sort out the position for Barça for the next decade, and is already suited to La Liga.

He will not come cheap, though. Having renewed his contract with La Real until 2027, there is little to no chance Barça will be able to sign him for anything less than his release clause, which sits at €60 million.

Other potential targets: Ruben Neves, Alan Varela

RB: Foyth

Barcelona seemed close to signing Foyth last season until the Argentine picked up a long-term injury just before the window closed. They have, however, retained their interest in the defender.

The Villarreal ace fits Xavi’s profile as a defensive right-back, who is also comfortable inverting.

His release clause of €42 million seems to be the Yellow Submarines’ asking price for the player.

Other potential targets: Benjamin Pavard, Thomas Meunier

CB: Inigo

Unlike the rest of the list, Inigo is on the wrong side of 30 already, but remains of utmost interest to Barcelona. The club believes that his experience in La Liga, coupled with the fact that he is set to become a free agent in the summer, make him an exciting transfer opportunity.

His age also sits well with the fact that all of Barcelona’s current defence is 26 or younger. Marcos Alonso, Sergi Roberto, and Jordi Alba are all over 30, but neither are part of the first-choice back-four.

Other potential targets: Evan Ndicka, Aymeric Laporte