Barcelona are preparing a major squad overhaul next summer as they look to shape the team in the image of the new head coach Xavi Hernandez. The Spanish giants are keen on two Chelsea defenders, a German sensation, and a LaLiga stalwart.
The arrival of Xavi is likely to be supplemented by several new signings. Despite financial troubles, the club has been linked with several of Europe’s top players, some of which might arrive as early as January 2022. Plans are also underway to overhaul the squad in the subsequent transfer window, with the Blaugrana targeting four new signings next summer.
As per Gerard Romero, Xavi wants the club to sign four new players next summer: Karim Adeyemi, Jose Gaya, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Andreas Christensen. While the Spanish giants will have to pay a considerable fee to sign both Adeyemi and Gaya, they can bring in Azpilicueta and Christensen on free transfers, provided the pair fail to reach an agreement with Chelsea over their respective contract extensions. Both Azpilicueta and Christensen have six months left on their contracts and talks with the Blues, so far, have not reached a breakthrough.
The left-back Gaya has a contract at the club that runs until 2023 and thus will command a considerable fee for a transfer. The Valencia captain is nearing 300 appearances for the club, but a move to Barcelona next summer could prevent him from reaching the milestone. Should a deal be agreed between the two clubs, the Spain international will follow in the footsteps of Jordi Alba – who left Valencia for Barcelona in 2012.
Adeyemi is enjoying a breakthrough season at RB Salzburg, the club he signed for from SpVgg Unterhaching, and was included in the Germany senior squad during the recent international windows. The 19-year-old has scored 14 goals in 18 appearances this season and looks to be the latest Salzburg forward on his way to a big club, with the likes of Liverpool and Bayern Munich also keen on his services.
