City are all set for a major squad revamp, while Barca have already made some big signings in Eric Garcia, Sergio Aguero, Emerson Royal, and are said to be extremely close to completing the signing of Memphis Depay.
Ever since the Blaugrana suffered their worst-ever defeat in the UEFA Champions League history at the hands of Bayern Munich (8-2), it was understood that the cycle of the then-Barcelona team was over. Soon it surfaced that the Spanish giants were drowning in massive debt, and making any new lucrative signings would be next to impossible.
Ronald Koeman was asked to lead a transitional team in what was expected to be another trophy-less season for the Blaugrana. Barcelona ended up winning the Copa Del Rey and at a point, they had the fate of their La Liga campaign in their own hands.
While it was a disappointing season for the former La Liga champions, we have received an indication of what the future at the club could look like. Oscar Mingueza, Ronald Araujo, Illaix Moriba and Pedri were the major positives of the 2020/21 season for Barcelona.
To kick-start their summer window, Barcelona have already completed the signings of Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero from Manchester City as free agents. The former La Liga champions are said to be very close to completing the signing of Memphis Depay. The cules also had the Georginio Wijnaldum deal covered until Paris Saint-Germain hijacked the deal at the last minute.
Express understands that Barcelona are a long way away from calling it time on their list of signings this summer. They are said to be interested in signing another four players from Manchester City.
With City set to undergo a major squad revamp, some could say that this is the perfect time to sign some quality players.
Raheem Sterling is at the top of the list with Barcelona said to be interested in the 26-year-old. The Englishman is valued at around £80 million by the Premier League champions, and an outright bid for Barcelona is impossible, given their financial state. However, the clubs could engage in player swap deals. The likes of Sergi Roberto and Ousmane Dembele (if he does not renew) could come into the picture. With only two years left in his contract, it is unlikely that Sterling would want to renew, given how things have gone for lately.
Next up is Aymeric Laporte. The former Athletic Bilbao defender has fallen down the pecking order and is currently on the verge of leaving the club in order to find himself minutes. Manager Pep Guardiola is said to be interested in signing Roberto, and the clubs could engage in a possible swap deal to complete the transfer.
Gabriel Jesus is another player that the Blaugrana is said to be interested in. The 23-year-old is said to be among the list of players who are unhappy with their current roles at the club. Jesus could be on his way out this summer, and Barcelona could take advantage of the opportunity. Jesus was hardly used in the big games and will be on the hunt for minutes on the pitch.
Ilkay Gundogan, 30, could also end up in a different club this summer. Though the German has had a very successful season, it remains to be seen if City would count on him to deliver once again. It is understood that Barcelona have already contacted the agent of Gundogan and it remains to be seen what City and the player decides.
So far, Barcelona have only focused on signing players who are out of a contract this summer. It is likely to remain that way, but if they manage to sell Philippe Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti, Junior Firpo, Miralem Pjanic and Sergi Roberto, they could make a move for Sterling or at least be in a position to negotiate.
