The players Barcelona want to bring in this summer, 1x1

It’s not just any Monday at Barcelona. After sealing second place mathematically, Xavi has started working on the 2022-23 project. From today, they will start telling the players they no longer want that it’s time to go. In the meantime, they will be working on the incomings. Xavi wants two players for every position. 

KESSIE AND CHRISTENSEN DONE DEALS

Kessie: Essential for Milan on their way towards the title. The interior has great ability on the ball, ocvers a lot of ground and gas into the box well. A useful complement to Gavi, Pedri and Co. We’ll see how he adapts to the club’s complex game.

Christensen: The Dane is coming for free and he’s barely featured for Chelsea in the last few weeks. Until then he was indispensable. Strong and good at bringing the ball out. Let’s see if he can gain in consistency.

SPANIARDS

Azpilicueta: He wants to come back to his homeland. The versatile defender is a born leader. Can play in any position at the back. Ideal for a three man defence. Has a verbal deal with Chelsea to let him go.

Marcos Alonso: One of the world’s best attacking left-backs. Cold blood in the opposition box. Suffers more defensively. Out of contract in a year.

COMPLICATED 

Raphinha; If Leeds go down, his price drops to 25m euros. Right now Barcelona can’t pay that - they need outgoings and cash. Skilful, a goalscorer and can step into Dembele’s shoes if he goes.

Lewandowski: The attacking pillar of Xavi’s next project. Assures you 30 goals a season, a competitor like few others. Going to war with Bayern to get out, and Barcelona will have to as well over the transfer fee.

Neves/Tchouameni/Zubimendi: The pivot. A young profile but with experience is liked. Someone who can replace Busquets as part of the next generation. The club know it’s nearly impossible to get any of these for less than 40m euros.