FC Barcelona want to make four ‘super signings’ but don’t have the money to carry out big operations … [+]
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta wants to make four ‘super signings’ this summer despite the club’s financial woes, El Nacional has reported.
The Blaugrana are currently mired in debts, and have been warned by La Liga president Javier Tebas to shave €200 million ($218 million) from the wage bill ahead of the 2023/2024 season.
According to SPORT, Barca will meet with the league next week and present a viability plan that shows they can pull off the return of Lionel Messi when the Argentine becomes a free agent on June 30.
Meanwhile, however, Laporta is reportedly interested in four players that could boost Xavi Hernandez’s Spanish champions in-waiting first team squad and help them challenge in Europe again.
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Martin Zubimendi
Xavi’s preferred choice to succeed aging captain Sergio Busquets in the heart of defensive midfield is tied down to his Real Sociedad contract until mid-2027.
Furthermore, it will cost some €60 million ($65 million) to release him from it which Barca don’t have to hand at the minute.
Justin Foyth
Having to deploy central defender Jules Kounde in that area of the pitch season-long has shown that Xavi badly needs a natural right back.
Foyth can play as a center back too, but will cost €40 million ($43.6 million) which can’t be easily raised until Barca get their house in order.
Marcus Rashford
The Englishman that is arguably Europe’s best in-form striker impressed against Barca when knocking them out of the Europa League playoffs with Manchester United.
This weekend, The Mirror in the UK has reported how the Catalans missed the chance to sign Rashford in 2019 after a tip-off from club legend Patrick Kluivert.
Laporta wasn’t around then as president, but he has become obsessed with signing the Mancunian according to El Nacional.
Though he becomes a free agent in 2024, however, Rashford is most likely headed to Paris Saint Germain who can offer him bigger money if not renewing with the Red Devils.
Bernardo Silva
Most expensive of all on Laporta’s shopping list is a Portuguese Swiss Army knife of a player who can play multiple positions at United’s crosstown rivals Manchester City.
Barca were interested in signing Silva last summer, but the same €80-100 million ($87-109 million) price tag as back then will prove an obstacle 12 months down the line when the window opens again.
