Barcelona are heading into the 2024/2025 season under the tutelage of former Bayern Munich and Germany manager Hansi Flick after sacking club legend Xavi Hernandez following an inconsistent run of performances and results last season which saw them end the campaign without winning any trophy.
The Blaugrana are currently constrained financially and cannot afford to splash in the transfer market as they once did, hence they are not really expected to make any big money signings this summer. Although there are reports linking the Spanish giants with a couple of high profile targets, it remains to be seen whether they can raise the required funds to successfully secure their targets.
Soccernet.football takes a look at how Flick’s Barcelona could set up if they manage to acquire their summer targets before the window closes.
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Marc-Andre ter Steven (GK)
The German shot-stopper is entering his tenth season at the Camp Nou after arriving from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014 and he is primed to play another campaign as Barcelona’s first choice goalkeeper. Tee Stegen’s time at the Catalan club has yielded 15 trophies and he will be looking to add to that tally this coming season.
Joules Kounde (RB)
The 25-year-old Frenchman is just as comfortable playing on the right side of defense as he is playing centrally. Kounde was often deployed at right-back by Xavi last season and we saw him occupy the same position for France at the European Championships in Germany. Considering Barca’s lack of solid options in this department, we should see Kounde take up the role.
Ronald Araujo (CB)
Araujo has been the subject of intense speculation this summer, with reports linking him with a move away from the Camp Nou. However, Barcelona are intent on keeping the Uruguayan at the club as he has become one of their most reliable players in recent seasons. The 25-year-old will offer leadership and defensive solidity at the back and is also capable of slotting in at right-back if needed.
Pau Cubarsi (CB)
One of Barcelona’s homegrown gems revealed himself to the footballing world last season in 17-year-old Cubarsi. The young defender is capable of playing as a full-back and center-back but it was in the latter position he came to prominence for the Blaugrana last term. Cubarsi’s confidence and composure at such a young age makes him an absolute delight to watch and we expect to see more of him in the coming season.
Alejandro Balde (LB)
The 20-year-old burst onto the scene in the 2022/2023 season by displacing the experienced Jordi Alba as Barcelona’s starting left-back at just 18 years old. However, Balde’s 2023/2024 season was hampered by a hamstring injury with Joao Cancelo, on loan from Manchester City, stepping in to fill the void. After fully recovering from his injury, we should see the exciting young talent take back his place in the starting XI.
Joshua Kimmich (DM)
Kimmich’s future at Bayern Munich is presently shrouded in uncertainty, especially with the arrival of Joao Palhinha from Fulham this summer. Barcelona have been credited with interest in the German but it remains to be seen whether a reunion is on the cards for the 29-year-old and his former manager. Kimmich’s vision and technical ability will make him one hell of a signing for the Catalans.
Pedri Gonzalez (CM)
The incredibly talented 21-year-old is widely seen as Iniesta’s replacement in Barcelona’s midfield and he’s certainly shown that he possesses the required amount of skill and potential to reach that level. The only concern about Pedri is whether he will be able to stay fit throughout the coming season after having his 2023/2024 and Euro 2024 campaigns interrupted by injuries.
Ikay Gundogan (CM)
The former Manchester City midfielder was one of Barcelona’s best performers last season, making his inclusion in this XI a no-brainer. Gundogan’s experience and versatility will greatly benefit this relatively young Barcelona side. He can feature as a box-to-box midfielder, central attacking midfielder or even supporting striker as we saw towards the end of last season.
Lamine Yamal (RW)
Yamal, one of Barcelona’s breakout stars last season, has now established himself as a proper superstar after taking the 2024 European Championships in Germany by storm and helping Spain to the title. The 17-year-old basically has the world at his feet and is such a joy to watch. Despite rumors of a potential €250m bid from PSG for his signature, we expect the Euro 2024 winner to stay and continue his development at Barcelona.
Nico Williams (LW)
Another outstanding performer from Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, Williams has seen his stocks rise due to consistent impressive displays from last season for Athletic Club to the European Championships in Germany for Spain. The 21-year-old winger is understandably attracting interest from several top clubs around Europe but reports have it that Barcelona are leading the race. Nico’s pace and trickery will certainly be a welcome addition for Flick’s attack.
Robert Lewandoski (CF)
The Polish striker enjoyed his most prolific years under Flick’s management at Bayern Munich and we may be about to witness a rebirth of the beast that tore the Bundesliga apart come the start of the new season, as player and manager reunite at the Camp Nou. Lewandoski remains one of the most lethal strikers across Europe and in a front three including Nico and Yamal either side of him, he could definitely reproduce the numbers from his Bayern days.
