The Catalan giants had a mixed 2018/19 season. Though they comfortably won the LaLiga title, they let a three-goal advantage slip at Anfield in the Champions League semifinals. They have also lost the Copa del Rey final to Valencia in their last game of the campaign.
European silverware has eluded them for quite some time and their arch-rivals, Real Madrid, have won three titles in a row during that time. Though Barcelona have made some big money signings in the form of Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele, they have failed to play their best football.
Ernesto Valverde is under huge pressure to deliver and expected to strengthen the squad for the 2019/2020 season. They have already signed Ajax starlet, Frenkie de Jong, but there are few places in the squad that need serious reinforcements.
They are linked to a few world-class players and busy in the transfer window. If they manage to sign their targets, they will definitely be a force to reckon with next season.
On that note, let’s take a look at 5 signings that will make Barcelona unstoppable.
Also see : Womens World Cup Bracket, Gold Cup Standings, Copa America Standings.
#5 Matthijs de Ligt
One of the names that has been doing the rounds this transfer window is none other than the Ajax starlet, Matthijs de Ligt. A while ago, he was all set to play for the Blaugrana, but things have changed in the past few weeks. The Dutch captain had a phenomenal season for Ajax.
Ajax won the Eredivisie and cup double this season, having also reached the UEFA Champions League semifinals. He was also named ‘Player of the Year’ in the Eredivisie for the 2018/19 campaign.
The Dutch international is on the radar of almost every top European club. Manchester United are showing a lot of interest and so are Paris Saint Germain, Juventus, and Bayern Munich. Real Madrid too have entered the race at the last minute.
At just 19, de Ligt has shown a lot of maturity and leadership skills. He is strong, good in the air, and has an extremely good range of passing. He reads the game well and is quick across the turf.
#4 Junior Firpo
The 23-year-old Real Betis star is one of the most promising left-backs in European football at the moment. He was sensational for the Spanish club last season and has attracted a lot of interests from across Europe. Jordi Alba is into his 30s and Barcelona need a quality full back to support him.
He was brilliant at Camp Nou in their 4-3 win over Barcelona in November. He is good going forward and also contributes a lot at the back. He has contributed three goals and four assists in 22 starts, and at the same time, averages 1.6 tackles per game.
#3 Willian
Willian has been one of the most consistent wingers in European football for the past few seasons. With Malcom struggling to stamp his authority at Camp Nou, the Brazilian could be a great signing for Ernesto Valverde.
Though he is 30, he still has a bag of tricks in his arsenal. With his pace and good dribbling abilities, he can trouble any defence in the world. His work rate and crosses are world-class, making him a great addition to any top side. All in all, he certainly possesses the abilities to improve the Catalan side.
#2 Antoine Griezmann
Ever since the Frenchman announced his Atletico Madrid exit, Barcelona were touted to his next destination. The World Cup winner has been a consistent performer for Atletico Madrid and France over the years and certainly is world-class.
A versatile forward who can occupy various attacking positions, Antoine Griezmann could be a great signing for the Blaugrana. With Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho struggling to fulfil their potential, the Catalan giants need an assured player like Griezmann to share the goal scoring responsibilities with Messi.
#1 Christian Eriksen
The Spurs star is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and Europe. After the end of 2018/19 season, Christian Eriksen has announced his intention to leave Tottenham Hotspur.‘I feel that I am a place in my career where I might want to try something new,’ Eriksen told Danish publication Ekstra Bladet.
The Danish international has been hugely consistent for Spurs ever since his move in 2013. A creative midfielder, Eriksen’s set-piece prowess and ability to pick a pass is outstanding. With over 2.5 key passes and 2.5 shots per game over the past few seasons, Eriksen will certainly make Barcelona look better.