Due to Barcelona’s financial situation, Xavi has been informed that he can only make one major signing this summer. The club has been instructed by La Liga to lower their wage bill and recoup €200 million in player sales before they can register any new signings. Xavi met with president Joan Laporta and Deco, who is expected to replace Mateu Alemany as the club’s director, and was informed that Barca’s “room for manoeuvre” this summer is “very limited” due to fair play regulations. As a result, Xavi must choose which position or player to prioritize for a big investment, with Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad and Juan Foyth of Villarreal being the two options on the table. While Zubimendi is seen as the best replacement for outgoing captain Sergio Busquets, Xavi is also aware of the need to strengthen at right-back, leading to a renewed chase for Foyth, who has a release clause of €54m.
What are Barcelona’s summer transfer plans?
Barcelona’s summer transfer plans include attempting to bring Lionel Messi back to the club once his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires, although the 35-year-old is only interested if any offer has been pre-authorised by La Liga. The team will also target other players on free transfers, such as Athletic Bilbao’s Inigo Martinez, who has already agreed to join, and Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City, who is also liked.
In addition, Barcelona is considering Sofyan Amrabat as a cheaper alternative to Martin Zubimendi. Fiorentina is willing to sell the midfielder for €6m as he enters the final year of his contract. For right-back options, Barcelona is considering Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot and Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo, but neither would be cheaper or more realistic than Juan Foyth, further complicating Xavi’s decision-making process.