How will Barcelona’s team line up next season? A look at expected transfers

Barcelona were one of the main protagonists of the January transfer window, yet they have no intention of putting the brakes on their reinforcement programme. 

After adding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Adama Traore and Ferran Torres to their star-studded attacking department, the Spanish football giants are keen to strengthen their backline. 

But manager Xavi Hernandez will likely have to work with a limited budget, forcing him to go after players with expiring contracts. 

Here are the four players that could arrive at Camp Nou next summer and make watching Barcelona live an even more attractive proposition. 

Andreas Christiansen

Barca are on the verge of landing outgoing Chelsea centre-back Andreas Christiansen on a free transfer. 

It is only a matter of time before the Spaniards announce the deal as they prepare to make the Dane their first acquisition going into the summer transfer window.

Christiansen has refused to pledge his future to Stamford Bridge despite Chelsea’s utmost efforts to tie him down to a new contract. 

According to Spanish outlet Sport, the 25-year-old defender, out of contract at the end of the season, has already completed the first part of his medical.

Cesar Azpilicueta

Christiansen may not be the only Chelsea player to move to Camp Nou next summer.

As per Chelsea News, the Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta is also a concrete target for the Catalans, as he is in the final few months of his contract in London.

Even though he is already 32, the Spaniard has a proven pedigree, and his experience could come in handy, given Xavi’s relatively inexperienced squad. 

Noussair Mazraoui

Xavi has brought veteran right-back Dani Alves back to Camp Nou this season, but only as a temporary solution, with Barcelona in the market for a long-term option.

Ajax star Noussair Mazraoui has emerged as one of Barca’s top priorities to replace underperforming Sergino Dest on the right-hand side next season. 

The 24-year-old Moroccan has turned down the Lancers’ extension offer as he has his heart set on a switch to Catalunya, with Xavi waiting in the wings. 

Franck Kessie

One of the most sought-after midfielders in the market, Franck Kessie, is set to leave AC Milan after dominating Italian football for five years.

The Ivorian has a host of admirers across Europe, including Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, but Barcelona are reportedly at the front of the queue. 

Like the aforementioned trio, Kessie will be available for free when his contract at San Siro runs out at the end of the season and Barca are ready to pounce.

The 25-year-old has developed into one of the Serie A headline performers over the past couple of years, and he could be a massive coup for Xavi’s side. 

Barcelona Potential Starting XI (2022/23):

(4-3-3): Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique, Andreas Christiansen, Noussair Mazraoui; Franck Kessie, Frankie de Jong, Gavi; Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Memphis Depay.