Barcelona are still mathematically in the LaLiga title race, but after winning the league last season under Xavi, their prospects of hoisting the trophy in 2024 look bleak.
La Blaugrana have been outclassed by two rivals this season, with both Real Madrid and Girona at least six points ahead of them in the table.
Barça have been unable to replace Sergio Busquets in the defensive midfield role, but their lack of star power in the attack has been even more alarming.
Lamine Yamal’s breakout has been a positive, but that’s pretty much it. Robert Lewandowski has regressed in his second season, leading to questions about his future, while João Félix has failed to provide the goals needed from the left.
According to Ferran Correas of Diario Sport, Barcelona plan on addressing these two gaping holes in their starting XI by signing a world-class left winger and defensive midfielder in the summer transfer window.
Barcelona need a top LW and DM to compete in the Champions League
That’s easier said than done, but it is important for Barça to make these two signings in order to support a new world-class manager and get back on track both in the league and in the Champions League.
It has been years since Barcelona were a legitimate threat in the UCL. Not since their infamous 2019 collapse against Liverpool have the Blaugrana been actual title contenders at the European level.
Signing a top-class, goal-scoring left winger to supplement Lewandowski would be a huge step in the right direction, but the Blaugrana also need a better anchoring point.
Replacing Busquets is impossible, but signing a top player for the modern game is feasible. Martín Zubimendi looks like the ideal option, but if he isn’t interested in leaving Real Sociedad, Barça will have to get to work with some smart scouting.
If Barcelona can sign truly world-class players at these two positions, they will have what it takes to usurp Real Madrid at the top of the Spanish football charts in 2024/25.
Former editor of The Real Champs and Old Juve, covering Real Madrid and Juventus
