Barcelona have to move on from Messi the right way

Forwards

Xavi and his men have also identified a need for signings in the forward positions; specifically a backup striker and a left winger.

Let’s start first with the left winger, and what seems to me to be a slam-dunk, no-brainer option: Ez Abde. He’s returning on loan from Osasuna, where he showed real talent, pace, and a feel for the position. Yannick Carrasco, Atletico Madrid winger, has also been prominently discussed as an option here, to which I must ask: why? Abde is younger, pacier, has more potential, and would be a much cheaper option – which would help at the moment since finances aren’t Barça’s strong suit this summer. On the left side, they’ve also got Fati, who came on strong at the end of the season, and Gavi, who’s filled in capably there before. Worst comes to worst, Ousmane Dembélé can play there as well. I’m not saying Abde is a surefire starter by any means, but there are more pressing positional needs that don’t justify spending more than they have to for a winger.

Along with Zubimendi, my dream signing this offseason would be Brazilian youngster Vitor Roque. He’s a goal machine with great instincts who’s already shown up big in big matches for club and country. Having him come off the bench behind Robert Lewandowski for a year or two would do wonders for him. He’d learn a lot from the Polish talisman and acclimate himself to the city and league without the pressure of being thrust into the starting lineup. Barça would get a promising 18-year-old who could eventually become the starter once Lewandowski moves on. It’d be a win-win. Of course, as always, money is the issue, but they should do whatever they can to make it happen.