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In recent years, FC Barcelona have enjoyed tremendous domestic success, winning 8 league titles in 11 campaigns, and the Copa Del Rey 4 times in a row. However, the squad responsible for their success is aging, with Gerard Pique, Ivan Rakitic, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and captain Lionel Messi all over 30 years old.
As such, the Blaugrana have had a steady decline in its success, not having gone past the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League since the 2014-15 season.
In order to increase their success in the future, they have made many acquisitions of young, promising talent each year. Just last summer, the club purchased Arthur Melo, Clement Lenglet, and Malcom.
This year looks to be no different, with the Blaugrana expected to make multiple signings this summer as they look towards a squad overhaul. Here are 5 signings FC Barcelona are expected to make in this coming summer transfer window.
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#5 Diego Palacios
One of the most exciting prospects in the Eredivisie today, Diego Palacios is a left-back who plays a key role in Willem II's defense, making 30 appearances this season on loan from Ecuadorian club SD Aucas, at the young age of just 19. At the recent U-20 World Cup, he played every game for Ecuador, and was critical to their third-place standing at the tournament.
Palacios is exactly what Barcelona need at the moment, as a left-back with good dribbling and passing ability, combined with an endless storage of stamina, which enables him to track back when needed.
With Jordi Alba turning 31 next year, Barcelona may be looking to finding a replacement for the Spaniard. As it stands now, Palacios certainly has the potential to become one of the best left-backs in the world.
According to SPORT, Palacios is very close to signing with the La Liga champions, choosing to join them rather than play for PSV who were also interested in the Ecuador international. For such a talented player, this would be a low-risk high-reward transfer for Barcelona, who will be looking to confirm Palacios' signing soon.
#4 Neto
For the past two seasons, Valencia's first-choice keeper has been Neto, who has performed at a consistently high level for the club. However, due to a strained relationship with Marcelino Garcia, manager of Los Ches, he has been relegated to the bench - as such, he now wants out of Valencia.
Neto is a vastly underrated keeper, with excellent shot-stopping skills, and one of the best reflexes in the world. He was integral to Valencia's win in the Copa Del Rey last season, having a man-of-the-match worthy performance in the semi-final against Betis.
MARCA is reporting that a deal between the two Spanish clubs is imminent, in a swap deal with Cillessen; the Blaugrana keeper wants more gametime next season, having only played in the Copa Del Rey last season, due to Marc-Andre Ter Stegen's sublime performances in goal for Barcelona.
As a whole, this would be a very good deal for Barcelona, as Cillessen would be replaced like-for-like by another excellent goalkeeper, in a role as the club's second-choice keeper, behind Ter Stegen.
#3 Antoine Griezmann
Following last year's World Cup triumphs and his success with Atletico Madrid, Antoine Griezmann has become a household name. The Frenchman is one of the best forwards in the world with an astounding workrate, accurate finishing, and wonderful technique. He is also very versatile, with a rare ability to play as a striker, winger, or even midfielder if needed.
He enjoyed continued success last season having scored 21 goals, the most out of any Atletico player. In his five international appearances this season, he has been excellent, scoring three and assisting four goals.
With a player of this quality, it is no wonder that Barcelona are interested in the player once again, even after last year's transfer drama which ended in him staying at Madrid. However, a transfer is extremely likely this summer as Atletico CEO Gil Marin confirmed Griezmann's departure from Atletico and Barcelona's active interest in the player.
If this is true, then Barcelona will likely need to fetch his €120 million release clause for his services. The Catalan club may look to Griezmann as a replacement for current striker Luis Suarez who turns 33 next year.
#2 Matthijs de Ligt
Rated the best teenage football player in the world by L'Equipe and rightly so, Matthijs de Ligt is a once-in-a-generation talent. As a teenager, de Ligt has already become one of the best center-backs in the world, as a regular on the Netherlands national team and the captain of Ajax.
With his tall frame, brawny physicality, exquisite tackling, and wonderful technique on the ball, de Ligt has got everything it takes to become an integral part of the Blaugrana. Because of his wide range of extraordinary skills, the Dutchman has become the most sought after player currently on the transfer market, with many clubs including PSG, Manchester United, and Juventus being linked to the player.
However, Barcelona seem to be determined to get their hands on the player and reports from AS say that they have an agreement of €75 million in place for de Ligt this summer. However, with Mino Raiola being the player's agent, it certainly won't be easy for Barcelona to sign the incredible talent.
#1 Neymar Jr.
There aren't many players currently better than Neymar in the world. Having started his career in Santos, Neymar moved to FC Barcelona in 2013, and enjoyed stellar success with them as part of the legendary MSN trio. Despite this, under surprising circumstances, the player moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, for a world record fee of €222 million.
However, it is currently being reported by the BBC that the Brazilian is unhappy at the club, and has stated that "I do not want to play more in PSG". This leaves the door open for Barcelona to swoop in and attempt to sign the player once more - a real possibility since the club's dressing room wants Neymar back.
Neymar's return to the Catalan side would certainly benefit their team as his flashy dribbling skills, technical proficiency, and outstanding vision have been missed greatly by Barca, who have not excelled in Europe since his departure.
One hurdle in a potential transfer however is the financial burden with bringing back Neymar. PSG will demand a high transfer fee for their star player, and the player himself will want large wages - however, if this hurdle is tackled by the Blaugrana, consider Neymar's transfer a done deal.
