5 players who could spark a transfer battle between Real Madrid and Barcelona in 2022

La Liga stalwarts Real Madrid and Barcelona have experienced a contrasting start to the 2021-22 season, with Blaugrana languishing in mid-table. Karim Benzema's incredible offensive output of 16 goals and assists so far has propelled the men in white to the top spot. Despite their conflicting fates, the two sides do possess similar transfer targets for the following year.

Two of the most notable transfers between Barcelona and Real Madrid

Several footballers have dared to cross the divide between the two Clasico rivals, stirring up huge controversies. Danish playmaker Michael Laudrup was famously involved in two 5-0 scorelines between the two sides. He guided Barcelona to victory on the first occasion and Real Madrid on the second.

Luis Figo was contentiously used as a political pawn during Florentino Perez's presidential campaign of 2000. The enigmatic politician had promised to bring the Portuguese superstar to the Bernabeu, provided he was elected as the head of the club. Perez fulfilled his promise following his victory, boldly snapping up Barcelona's talisman for Los Blancos.

Aside from the mentioned switches, a number of other transfers have caused restlessness between the two giants from time to time. Real Madrid and Barcelona have also vied for the same players from time to time, confirming their pedigree. With such cases on our minds, let's take a look at five footballers who can spark a transfer battle between Real Madrid and Barcelona in 2022.

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#5 Matthijs De Ligt

De Ligt can leave Juventus next summer

The Allianz Stadium has been in a kind of disarray ever since Cristiano Ronaldo chose to abandon the ship and join forces with Manchester United. The Old Lady's sudden dip in form has coincided with rumors of the potential departure of their star defender Matthijs De Ligt.

Represented by super-agent Mino Raiola, the 22-year-old defender has been enigmatic about his future in Turin. Raiola dropped a substantial hint in a recent statement, saying there is no guarantee that De Ligt will continue with Juventus next season.

His agent's suggestive remarks have stirred up a sense of restlessness among top clubs. While Barcelona have been linked with the Dutch stalwart ever since he burst onto the scene with Ajax, Real Madrid have recently entered the said conversation. With both Clasico sides in dire need of some defensive reinforcements, De Ligt's uncertain future could end up sparking a bidding war between the two giants.

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#4 Pau Torres

Pau Torres was also on the radar of Manchester United

Following in the footsteps of previous defensive greats, Pau Torres is in line to become the next big thing in Spain's backline. After a stellar La Liga campaign and an equally impressive Euros, Torres attracted a lot of suitors, especially from his native country.

Real Madrid are linked with every world-class centre-back who is available on the market. Subsequently, Los Blancos have been the frontrunners to snap up the 24-year-old defender from Villarreal in 2022. However, Real Madrid are certain to face competition from a number of elite clubs, eyeing to bring Torres in.

Their arch-rivals Barcelona are among the leading sides chasing the Spaniard's signature. With a hoard of mediocre defenders on their roster, Blaugrana desperately need a quality centre-half. Having a reported release clause in the region of €50m, Barcelona and Real Madrid are expected to go toe-to-toe for this target.

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#3 Youri Tielemans

Tielemans has been sensational for Leicester

Barcelona and Real Madrid have some quality midfielders in their ranks. From Frankie de Jong to Federico Valverde, the two most successful sides in Spain each have multiple future superstars in their squads. However, few professionals can boast of the experience that Belgian prodigy Youri Tielemans has amassed at the age of 24.

According to Athletic, both Barcelona and Real Madrid seem keen on roping in Leicester City's prized asset for a bargain fee. With Tielemans stalling on a contract extension that is due to expire in 2023, top clubs from all across Europe will be looking to capture the Belgian.

Opening up about his current situation at the King Power Stadium, Tielemans stated,

"I'm open to everything. The transfer market has just closed, but I want to keep as many options as I can open. There are talks going on - I'm not saying I'm going to sign, I'm not saying I'm not going to sign. We will see."

With such ambiguous signals, the creative midfielder could be plotting an exit from Leicester. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are sure to be listening if this happens.

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#2 Paul Pogba

Pogba and United are negotiating a new deal

Paul Pogba is yet to sign a contract extension with his current side Manchester United. For a while, everything seemed on track and according to various reports, the flamboyant midfielder was ready to commit his future to the Red Devils.

However, recent developments indicate that Pogba could end up leaving Old Trafford next summer as a free agent. Having recently signed an agile box-to-box midfielder in the form of Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid are still keeping tabs on the whereabouts of their long-term target.

In a surprising turn of events, Barcelona have also emerged as a possible destination for the 28-year-old Frenchman. With a depreciating squad and a cash-strapped purse, Pogba would be an ideal signing for the Blaugrana. Nevertheless, serial-bidders PSG and Real Madrid could give Barcelona a tough competition in the signing of the World Cup winner.

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#1 Erling Haaland

Haaland is destined for greatness

The third player on this list to be represented by Mino Raiola, Erling Haaland is arguably the crown jewel in the super-agent's clientele. The 21-year-old has proven to be a sensation at Borussia Dortmund, scoring an unfathomable 68 goals in just 67 appearances for BVB.

Boasting an eye-watering market value of €130m, the signing of Haaland will undoubtedly be a hotly-contested affair next season. With the Norwegian prodigy's release clause dropping to a mere €75m, interested clubs will pounce on the chance of acquiring him.

Raiola infamously arranged a continent-wide tour earlier this year in an attempt to scout possible future destinations. Barcelona and Real Madrid were the first clubs that the 53-year-old confronted with respect to a potential transfer. While Real Madrid are still the likeliest club to land his signature, Barcelona's Joan Laporta could initiate a surprise swoop, given his pedigree.

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