Barcelona turn to Vitor Roque and Arda Guler as signings for the future

Barcelona are not only working to strengthen the 2023-24 first-team squad, but also looking to the future. The technical secretariat is working on two scenarios, but with a common objective: to reinforce competitiveness in the short and long-term.

In the current transfer window, Ilkay Gündogan has already arrived (on a free transfer from Manchester City) and Iñigo Martínez (Athletic), who, like the German, is a free agent, is also expected to arrive; a defensive midfielder -- possibly Oriol Romeu (Girona) -- and a right-back -- rumoured to be Iván Fresneda, from Valladolid -- and next season, Vitor Roque, a striker from Athletico Paranaense, and Arda Güler, a talented midfielder from Fenerbahçe, are expected to join.

FC Barcelona's current economic situation and the problem with financial fair play have left behind the mighty azulgrana checkbook to give way to new and imaginative formulas to 'fish' in the increasingly demanding and complex transfer market.

Tactics

One of these strategies, as well as looking for players with a free contract, is to bet on the pearls of the future. Incorporating young players with projection at a reasonable price. A policy that is also being applied to the women's team. And Barça's bet in this chapter are the Brazilian striker Vitor Roque and the Turkish midfielder Arda Güler.

With the former, there is an agreement in principle for 35 million euros plus another 10 million euros depending on variables. On paper, his arrival is planned for the 2024-25 season, although Barça do not rule out bringing him in during the January window as long as there is salary margin to sign him. Barça are also not ruling out the idea of opening the door for him this summer if the conditions are right.

El FC Barcelona trabaja para reforzar la plantilla 2023-24 pero también a largo plazo ‘atando’ jóvenes valores

With 'Tigrinho', as Vitor Roque (18) is known, Barça have had to dig deep into their pockets. His price is not exorbitant considering that he is destined to be the successor to Robert Lewandowski, who turns 35 in August. The Pole has a contract until June 2026 and the idea is that the Brazilian will assume the goalscoring quota of the Barcelona Pichichi.

Arda Güler is a similar case. With the Turkish midfielder, Barça will also make an economic effort. His clause is 17.5 million euros, an affordable price at the moment and which could skyrocket in time if the player fulfils all the expectations he generates.

The signing of Arda Güler is also on track by the technical secretariat. The recent trip to Istanbul by Barcelona's director of football, Deco, has been highly valued by the young player's entourage, who have detected Barça's great interest in the Fenerbahçe jewel. 

Confirmation

It is one of the so-called "strategic" signings that, in addition, has the OK of the first team coach, Xavi Hernández. President Joan Laporta, for his part, in the interview he gave last Thursday to the TV3 programme 'Onze', also acknowledged that "we are trying to sign the player."

On paper, due to cash flow problems and the salary cap, the arrival of Arda Güler is envisaged in principle for the 2024-25 season. Until then, Barça are working with the idea that the midfielder will remain at Fenerbahçe for one more season (he will play in the Europa League and is a full international with his country) in order to develop his skills and arrive in the FC Barcelona dressing room more mature and prepared. 

In this sense, FC Barcelona will be able to play for time to gain economic muscle and, in addition, they would have a player with one more year of experience.

On the other hand, FC Barcelona have committed, in the coming weeks, to make a first payment for the Turkish player. An action that would demonstrate the existing interest in Arda Güler, who is wanted by seven other top European teams.