Barca take advantage of the break to advance with four signings

After signing Martin Braithwaite, Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu met with the club’s sporting directors. They shared opinions and drew outlines for new projects. All at its own pace, but the coronavirus break means Barca are looking at signings now with their extra time.

The work done by Eric Abidal and Ramon Planes is starting to bear fruit. They have shared their information with Quqiue Setien, who has approved of their criteria and the names they are looking at.

Barca want a centre-back (left footed ideally), a full-back - probably left sided although good if he can play on the right, a physical central midfielder who can play in front of the defence and a goalscoring striker. That is bearing in mind they have signed Trincao and will get Carles Alena back from loan.

It is Bartomeu’s last year at the helm and he will go back for a pair of signings. The key is Lautaro Martinez, the chosen man to replace Luis Suarez. The next fortnight could be crucial in sealing his signing.

There is interest in Lenglet and Umtiti in the market and Barcelona may have to sell before buying to boost the defence.

In midfield they would love a player like Yaya Toure or Keita. A player who combines good football with physicality. Barca sealed De Jong’s signing last January and they want to make some more early moves this time around. Lautaro will leave Inter and Barca need tone the ones that get him. They have been speaking to his people.

They know selling players is important too and want to bring in around 130 million euros. Some first teamers could go. The salary limit is almost reached too so that will need some time freed. The meetings will be by phone or video call but the rhythm is frenetic in these very important days. Football may have stopped but Barca will not.