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Barcelona have never been shy in the transfer market and are no strangers to making multi-million dollar signings. They are used to getting the players they want, but the bleak financial situation they are in right now might hold them back a bit this summer.
They'll be on the lookout for cut-price deals when the transfer window opens, while new president Joan Laporta will also have the herculean task of convincing their talisman Lionel Messi to extend his stay at the Nou Camp.
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The Catalans have stayed in the title race for now and are only four points behind Atletico Madrid. After a trophyless campaign last time around, they are in desperate need of some quality in their ranks.
With that being said, here we take a look at the five realistic summer targets for Barcelona.
#5 David Alaba
One player who would be more than happy to secure a move to the Camp Nou in the summer is Bayern Munich left-back David Alaba. The Austrian defender will be a free agent in the summer and that will bring the 13-year-old association with the club to an end.
Alaba has been utilised in a central position at the club since the rise of Alphonso Davies but has taken the new role in stride. After winning two trebles with the Bavarians, he will be looking for a new challenge, and at 28, he still has a couple of years in his prime and will be looking to play with a club like Barcelona now.
Jordi Alba will be the first-choice left-back for at least the next two years, so that will be one of the roadblocks for this move but Alaba's familiarity in the central role will help him adjust to the new three-man defence that Ronald Koeman has been using in recent games.
The major roadblock to this deal might be Alaba's wage demands, which Blaugrana could only meet if they let go of a few players in the summer.
#4 Georginio Wijnaldum
One of the best free agents available in Europe at the start of next season will be Liverpool's unsung midfield hero Georginio Wijnaldum. The Dutch international will add much-needed depth to the Barcelona midfield as they are heavily reliant on veteran Sergio Busquets and Pedri right now.
The 30-year-old midfielder has played under Koeman for the national team and is familiar with his management style, so should fit in seamlessly at Barcelona. The player himself would prefer to play under a manager who will guarantee him more minutes on the pitch.
With the arrival of Thiago Alcantara, the competition in the middle of the park has increased at Liverpool, which might limit Wijnaldum's involvement going forward. So with him available on a free transfer and a Dutch coach at the helm, the chances of Barcelona signing him in the summer look good.
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#3 Sergio Aguero
Barcelona are the highest-scoring side in La Liga at the moment and this is despite them parting ways with a prolific striker in Luis Suarez at the start of the season.
After one look at their goalscoring form, one might be tempted to say that they do not need any reinforcements in the final third, but if they are to mount a challenge for multiple titles, having a proven striker is a must.
One of the best attackers who might be available for free in the summer is Sergio Aguero, and Manchester City might be willing to let him go after a series of injuries to the Argentine star.
Lionel Messi will be more than willing to welcome his compatriot as his strike partner, and having his close international team-mate will also be an added incentive for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, who is yet to commit to his future to the club for next season.
#2 Eric Garcia
Barcelona are no strangers to bringing back former La Masia graduates to their squads. The signing of Gerard Pique from Manchester United in 2008 paid huge dividividendsthe player helped them to their most successful spell in history and was a key member of the two treble-winning squads.
By the end of the season, they will have the opportunity to do the same for another defender from Manchester, this time. That player is Eric Garcia, who plays for Manchester City.
The player has been linked with a move back to the Nou Camp for far too long and Pep Guardiola has all but conceded that a deal is already in place for the 20-year-old.
The Catalan club are strapped for cash, so confirming the signing of the promising defender as soon as possible should be on Laporta's agenda. It also makes sense for them to sign a player for free, who himself is interested in securing a move back to Spain.
#1 Memphis Depay
One player that Barcelona should definitely target this summer is Lyon winger Memphis Depay. The former Manchester United attacker brings a lot to the table and his prior experience of working with Ronald Koeman at the Dutch national team will only aid in helping him settle into the squad seamlessly.
While the 27-year-old has many admirers across Europe and the prospect of signing a player who will be at his peak in the coming years for free this summer is something no club will want to miss in the current scenario, Barcelona seem the favourites to land him.
Depay's energy and versatility will add a new dynamic to Barca's attack and help them reduce their dependence on Lionel Messi in the final third.
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