Barcelona celebrated their 27th league title at the Camp Nou after the match against Real Sociedad.
With only a handful of matches left until the end of the season, naturally, talk has already shifted towards planning for next season.
In his press conference prior to the midweek game against Valladolid, manager Xavi Hernandez fielded a number of questions about a possible busy summer transfer window, including the rumored return of Lionel Messi.
"“It’s up in the air,” Xavi said on a possible Messi-Barcelona reunion.“It depends on many things. There is not much more I can say. Leo is a spectacular footballer. He is a friend. From there, it depends on many things, but above all on his intentions and what he wants.”Source: ESPN"
Messi’s contract with PSG runs out in the summer and has seemingly made it clear he is not going to sign a new deal. According to reports he’d fancy a move back to his former club but whether or not Barcelona would be able to register is unknown.
The Catalan side is set to have their feasibility plan approved by LaLiga by Monday and then things should become clearer.
🚨 La Liga's OK to the feasibility plan is expected to arrive TODAY. @gerardromero pic.twitter.com/g3OxkECC0c
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 22, 2023
Messi’s return aside, perhaps Barcelona’s priority heading into the transfer window is trying to find someone who can replace the departing Sergio Busquets.
The veteran midfielder announced he is leaving the club at the end of the season leaving a significant void in the heart of the Catalan midfield. Names like Sofyan Amrabat and Ruben Neves have been thrown out. But it’s clear Xavi prefers either Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi or Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich whose name only popped us a possibility last week.
“Right-back is not the No. 1 priority,” Xavi said. “Busquets is going so it is obvious we need a top-level defensive midfielder for next season.
“Our captain is leaving, so we need a very good player to come in. We have to replace him in the best possible way. From there, there are other priorities and the more we strengthen, the better. We want to be more competitive.”
Amrabat would have a good chance of arriving as his transfer fee could potentially be the most attainable. La Real are not going to let Zubimendi leave for anything less than his full release clause of €60m. Kimmich seems the most unlikely as Bayern Munich is not contemplating letting him leave nor does the player have any intention of leaving at the moment.
Neves has long been linked with a move because his agent, Jorge Mendes, continues to push for one and has an excellent relationship with Joan Laporta. However, Xavi has made it clear he doesn’t want him.
Barcelona will also look to strengthen in attack with Brazilian striker Vitor Roque. The 18-year-old has drawn plenty of interest in Europe with the club looking to find different formulas in an effort to sign him. Despite not being able to offer the most, they benefit in the fact Roque is a Barcelona fan and is willing to wait before listening to other offers.
Athletic Bilbao’s Iñigo Martinez is likely to be their first signing as he is set to arrive on a free deal. Barcelona is also working to sign Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan, also on a free, as well as Atletico Madrid’s Yannick Carrasco.
It’s shaping up to be a summer filled with changes for Barcelona. With the players rumored to be coming in, it will also mean a number of players will be making their way out.