Barcelona's Contingency Plan: Assessing Replacements for Potential Summer Exits

While Barcelona's primary transfer targets for the summer window are a new centre-back and a centre-forward, the club is also meticulously planning for potential player departures. Director of Football Deco may need to reinforce several other positions to ensure squad depth.

Manager Hansi Flick has already shown a willingness to integrate younger talents, with players like Gerard Martin, Marc Bernal, Marc Casado, and Roony Bardghji stepping into more prominent roles. This highlights the existing need for a robust and flexible squad, especially if senior players move on.

Left-Back Dilemma: Cancelo's Future and Alternatives

The future of João Cancelo, who has been on loan at Barcelona, remains a point of discussion. Despite performing well, securing his permanent move is complicated by his parent club's reported transfer fee demands, which Barcelona aims to reduce significantly or acquire him for free, considering his contract situation. If a deal cannot be reached, the club is exploring other options.

Among the potential alternatives are former La Masia product Alejandro Grimaldo, currently impressing at Bayer Leverkusen, and Juventus' Andrea Cambiaso. Cambiaso's versatility across both flanks and his younger age make him an attractive prospect. Grimaldo has previously been valued in the range of €15-20 million, offering a potentially more attainable target.

Attacking Reinforcements: Planning Beyond High-Profile Targets

In the attacking wide positions, Barcelona is preparing for various scenarios. While high-profile targets might be considered, the club is also looking at promising talents for the future who would come with more manageable salary expectations and transfer fees. Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup and RCD Mallorca’s Jan Virgili are reportedly on the radar as potential long-term investments.

Goalkeeping Contingency: Veteran's Future and New Blood

The goalkeeping situation is another area under review. Should a veteran goalkeeper decide to depart or retire, Barcelona has identified Real Sociedad's Spain international Alex Remiro as their preferred option to step in. Additionally, a younger goalkeeper, who is currently on loan, is expected to return to the club. Decisions will need to be made regarding his role, whether as a backup or if a further move would be sought to facilitate his development.