Xavi and Barcelona are looking to boost their squad this summer with several key signings in the transfer market.
The club made big moves during the January window. They brought Ferran Torres to the Nou Camp from Manchester City. He signed for €55 million.
Read: How a 2013 transfer delayed Barcelona’s move for Ferran Torres
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also joined on a free transfer from Arsenal, whilst Adama Traore returned to the club from Wolves. The Spaniard is currently on loan at the Nou Camp, but Barca have a future fee option included as part of the deal.
However, while those signings have filled some gaps in Barcelona’s squad, they still need more quality to get back to the summit of European football once again. Barca fans know that a club of their size should not be competing in the Europa League.
Xavi‘s side are currently battling to finish in the top four of La Liga. That would guarantee them a spot in next season’s Champions League. Their rivals include Real Betis, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal.
Read: Infographic shows insane Atletico Madrid lineup without player sales
The primary transfer target for Barcelona is unquestionably Erling Haaland. President Joan Laporta is desperate to convince the Norwegian to sign.
The Dortmund striker could completely transform Barca’s fortunes. According to Sport, the club wants to make him the focal point of their marketing and social media strategies.
Another top target is Chelsea defender Andres Christensen. He is out of contract at the end of the season. Spanish outlet Marca report that Barca are keen on a deal. However, the Denmark international is keeping his options open at this stage.
But Los Cules have their eye on another quality player, formerly linked with Liverpool, that could make all the difference.
Barcelona plan to sign Real Betis star
According to Marca, Xavi’s side have now turned their attention to Real Betis and France midfielder Nabil Fekir.
Fekir has been impressing the Barca hierarchy. The French international has scored six goals and provided six assists in just 22 La Liga appearances this season.
However, one stumbling block for the Spanish giants is the €100 million price tag that Betis have reportedly placed on Fekir’s head.
Barcelona’s financial problems are well-known. They have the seventh-highest salary cap in La Liga, with the figure standing at just €97 million.
Last year, their debts were over €1 billion. Senior players such as Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets had to take wage deferrals to allow the club to register new players. In addition, Lionel Messi was forced to leave because Barca could not renew his contract.
A transfer for Fekir would complete a full circle for the player when it comes to the giants of European football. He famously came close to joining Liverpool from Lyon in 2018 for £53 million. However, an issue with his agent stopped the deal from going through. That was confirmed by the player himself back in September.
Whether Los Cules can prize Fekir away from Betis remains to be seen. Despite the club’s financial issues, there is no denying one factor – Barcelona is still a seriously attractive transfer proposition for almost all footballers.
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