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FC Barcelona Transfer Target Prioritization

By Benjamin Barkworth

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 31: New FC Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde poses for the media outside the FC Barcelona headquarters at Camp Nou on May 31, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 31: New FC Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde poses for the media outside the FC Barcelona headquarters at Camp Nou on May 31, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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Transfer Strategy

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This means they need to prioritize targets in order to ensure they strengthen key areas of the squad first and foremost. Having a protracted transfer saga is something they can ill afford because the new players need as much time as possible to integrate into the squad. Therefore, they should focus on getting a right-back because that was the main issue with the squad this season. Sergi Roberto was forced to play completely out of position, and Aleix Vidal lacked the defensive reliability to be first choice for the role. Failing to properly replace Dani Alves for a second season would be a major blunder.

Verratti is a rare talent that wouldn’t just enhance the midfield but also the team as a whole. This means that PSG are unwilling to let him go because he is the centrepiece of their team. Chasing him is just as likely to yield nothing as it is to bring him in. He is only 24 years old and other clubs are unlikely to tempt him away this summer. They could wait until next season to bring him in and upgrade the squad further.

Dembélé should be the lowest priority because he is a luxury they don’t desperately need. Having him would suit the 3-4-3 diamond formation because he could play in the right-wing role with Lionel Messi in the centre attacking midfield role. This would be a significant upgrade, but they have plenty of options in that role.