Barcelona are reportedly planning a squad revolution this summer, with many players expected to leave. However, you can't just sell players without replacing them, so today we take a look at some hidden gems that could improve our squad in the future.
Manuel Locatelli — defensive midfielder
Manuel Locatelli's profile is very similar to that of Sergio Busquets and one might say he would be the perfect successor to the Barcelona veteran. The Italian prefers staying deep and controlling Sassuolo's game from there.
Unlike Busquets, though, Locatelli is a bit more attacking, having recorded four goals and three assists this term. The 23-year-old also records an average of 1.1 key passes, 4.9 long balls and 2.4 tackles per game, making him a very well-rounded midfielder.
Sven Botman — centre-back
Despite being only 21 years old, Sven Botman was the heart of Lille's defence throughout the 2020/21 season, starting in all league games but one. Being a left-footed player, the Dutchman is usually used in the left centre-back position, the exact profile that Barca needs.
On average, Botman records 1.5 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, and 3.2 clearances per game. Standing 1,93m tall, Sven is also quite good in the air.
Youssef En-Nesyri — striker
The 2020/21 season saw the breakthrough of Youssef En-Nesyri as the Morrocan striker recorded 24 goals in 52 games across all competition. The striker position is the perfect spot for the 1,89m En-Nesyri, although he can also play on both wings.
Youssef's La Liga stats are quite impressive as he registers a goal per 128 minutes played as well as 2.1 shots per game. Despite his impressive season, however, there have been no rumours linking him with a Camp Nou move.
Roger Ibanez — centre-back
Roger Ibanez's emergence is one of the few positive things about AS Roma's overall failed season. Despite being right-footed, the Brazilian plays mostly at left centre-back.
On average, Ibanez recorded 2.3 interceptions, 2 tackles and 2.5 clearances per game. In total, the 22-year-old played 40 matches for the Rossoneri in the 2020/21 season, recording two goals and two assists.
Aurelien Tchouameni — defensive midfielder
Aurelien Tchouameni was an irreplaceable player for Monaco in the 2020/21 season, starting in all league games but two. Despite being a defensive midfielder, his attacking contribution is noticeable as well, as he has recorded three goals and four assists in 42 games.
Besides being a quite aggressive player (3.5 tackles per game), Tchouameni is also a great passer registering, on average, 42 passes per game, a very good result for a Monaco player.
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Barca reportedly set to announce 3 or 4 new signings in coming days
According to Catalunya Radio, Barcelona are set to announce three or four new signings in the coming days. Two transfers are already guaranteed, as per the source, and they are Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero.
Besides them, Emerson's arrival could also be made official shortly.
Finally, Memphis Depay could be the fourth signing. The Dutchman has offers from other clubs but he prioritizes Barca, as per previous reports. However, the 27-year-old wants to first see who will be Blaugrana's coach for the next season.
Most players at Barca don't want to even hear about leaving (reliability: 5 stars)
Barcelona plan to part ways with a big chunk of the players in the squad, it's been said. However, most of the players don't even want to hear about leaving Camp Nou, the reliable Catalunya Radio report.
For now, the only players open to leaving are Neto and Martin Braithwaite as they want to have more playing time. At the same time, there have been reports that both Matheus Fernandes and Samuel Umtiti refuse to leave.
According to previous reports, Barca intend to ship away up to 14 players. Besides, dressing room heavyweights like Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto and Antoine Griezmann could be sold if they don't agree to a pay cut.
