FC Barcelona: Three Ways Blaugrana could lineup if they land both Neymar and Antoine Griezmann

After a humiliating exit in the semi-final stage of UEFA Champions League last season, Barcelona would surely be looking to dive right into the transfer market again. Looking to secure the signings of the elite class of players to take them back to the European summit, they've already bought the Ajax wonderkid Frenkie de Jong for a good £65 million, before the start of the transfer season.

However, it's the surprising reports coming out of France that Brazilian Superstar Neymar is angling for a return to the Catalonian capital and has a verbally agreed for the same. Previously, the trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar (MSN) were devastatingly good for Barcelona - contributing to an insane 346 goals and 173 assists in 450 games. Barca's last Champions League win, A TREBLE in 2014, coincided with the trio's best form. The trident could soon be back together - with Barcelona having a verbal agreement for a five year deal and Neymar publicly admitting to 'having a made a mistake by moving to PSG'.

BUT, at the same time, there are various reports stating that Barcelona are going to sign Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid on July 1, when the Frenchman's release clause of £107 million comes into effect. There have been long periods of courtship between the two, but with Griezmann publicly stating his departure in a video, it is all but certain that he's going to move to Barcelona.

In the rare event that Barca manage to get hold of the 2 aforementioned players, it may lead to an exodus of players (Hello FFP Regulations!!!!), with Phillipe Coutinho, Malcolm, KP Boateng and Ousmane Dembele being shown the door. However, this would definitely be the better deal for club in any sense.

Here are three formations in which Barcelona could lineup with the acquisition of Neymar and Antoine -

#1 4-3-3 Formation

The traditional 4-3-3 formation - with Luis Suarez giving way to Antoine Griezmann

The first suggestion is for them to play their traditional 4-3-3 formation, with the defense and goalkeeping duties remaining the same. Manager Ernesto Valverde may initially bench Frenkie de Jong for him to adapt to the Spanish game and start with his preferred midfield 3 of Arthur, Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic. However, it is expected that later in the season, Frenkie de Jong may come in the place of Ivan Rakitic - to partner Arthur and Sergio Busquets. The full-back pairing of Jordi Alba and Sergi Roberto are widely expected to retain their roles in the setup.

However, in the front three, Suarez is dropped to the bench (owing to his decline over the past couple of years!), and Neymar taking his preferred Left Wing position. Neymar has been phenomenal playing on the left wing in France & Spain, with his playmaking skills at its best. Antoine Griezmann plays as the number nine - a position where he has been the most prolific (giving his highest goal return for the season - 32 in 2015/16). Lionel Messi returns to his preferred Right Wing position - a position from where he's been scoring and assisting atleast 50 goals for almost a decade now. This would allow him to dictate the plays and help his team prosper.

#2 4-2-3-1 Formation

With probably the deadliest attacking quartet, is another treble on the way?

The next formation is the most used 4-2-3-1 formation. This option includes the quartet in full - however leading to the sacrifice of one of the midfield players - Arthur, Rakitic, de Jong, Alena or Vidal (because admit it, no matter what the formation is, Busquets is always there).

This formation sees Lionel Messi set up as the Central Attacking Midfielder - the no. 10 role he usually ends up playing. This would result in him seeing more of the ball and getting more involved in the play - subsequently, helping him pull the strings of the match. This might enhance his playmaking prowess but would probably lead to a minor decrease in his goal return. Neymar takes up the left midfield whereas the left-footed Griezmann takes up the right. All these channels run into the central striker - Luis Suarez. Neymar, Suarez and Griezmann all take up familiar roles which help them to be accustomed to this formation. Additional support from Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba will probably help them become the deadliest quartet in the world.

#3 4-4-2 cum 4-2-4

A rare but possible formation

The 4-4-2 formation was immensely popular before the world kind of switched to 4-3-3 or the one striker upfront system. Barcelona can benefit from such a formation with the wings being occupied by Neymar and Antoine Griezmann. It'll be a very bold move, with this formation essentially turning to a 4-2-4 formation - a formation only seen on FIFA Pro Clubs. While this formation is essentially the most attack minded formation, it'd lead to the decrement of full backs marauding forward every play - as it would lead to them being exposed at the back. However, on the other end of the pitch, it'll be monstrous - with the quartet of Neymar, Suarez, Messi and Griezmann banging in the top corners every game.

While this will be a completely attack minded formation, it'll lead to humongous pressure on the 2 midfielders. Huge pressure would be on the aforesaid players to connect the defense and attack. They've to be at their very best or else it could to them being outnumbered. Busquets is known to control the game and to partner him, Frenkie de Jong is most suited, seeing how he dictates the play for Netherlands and Ajax. However, Arthur or La Masia product Carles Alena can also take up their roles for the same. This formation would lead to the uncanny role of tracking back for Neymar and Griezmann. The wingers would have to assist the midfielders and defense. This would lead to increased work-rate for the two of them - something Neymar isn't really known for. Griezmann has played in this formation at Atletico before, but this will be a completely ball-game for him - owing to the possession based football of this club.

However, it's very uncanny that Barcelona would use this formation, but it's a possibility that they can resort to this formation.