How Barcelona could line up if they sign all their January transfer targets

CM: Pedri

SL Benfica v FC Barcelona: Group E - UEFA Champions League

One of the best youngsters in the world, Pedri has been a revelation at both club and national levels. The 19-year-old joined Barcelona from Las Palmas in 2019 for a fee of around €5 million. Pedri has shown maturity beyond his age and will be key in Barcelona’s plans for the future.

Pedri was one of Spain’s standout performers in the Euros. The 19-year-old worked tirelessly and played every single minute for La Furia Roja. He was also part of their squad in the Olympics. Pedri also won the Golden Boy award in 2021, becoming the only Barca star to win the award since Leo Messi.

Pedri has missed the majority of the season due to injury, playing just two games. Xavi will be relying on Pedri’s zest and perseverance in midfield once he recovers. The potential he has shown will certainly be indispensable to Barcelona and their rebuilding plans.

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CM: Frenkie de Jong

FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol - La Liga Santander

Frenkie de Jong has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in Europe. de Jong won the domestic double and reached the Champions League semi-finals with Ajax in the 2018-19 season. His performances caught Barcelona’s eye and de Jong eventually signed for them in 2019 for a fee of €75 million.

de Jong has been a mainstay in the starting eleven, missing out only due to injury. He has made 22 appearances across all competitions this season. de Jong has been versatile, adapting in both attacking and defensive roles. Not afraid to put in challenges and fight for the ball, de Jong’s tenacity and composure is a perfect combination in midfield.

His ability to carry the ball from the defensive third and drive through the lines of the opposition suits a possession-dominant side like Barca. de Jong has been linked to a few top clubs across Europe, but Xavi will not let him be pried away easily.

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CM: Sergio Busquets

FC Barcelona v Granada CF - La Liga Santander

While he may be on his last legs, one cannot deny the quality and class of Sergio Busquets. The epitome of a one-club man, Busquets joined Barca’s U-18 team in 2005 and was promoted to the senior squad three years later. He has since been an ever-present gem in their midfield.

Part of Barca’s golden era in the late 2000’s, Busquets perfectly complimented the likes of Messi, Iniesta and Xavi. Amongst other trophies, he has won a whopping eight La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, seven Spanish Cups and eight Spanish Super Cups with Barca.

Always ready to get his hands dirty, Busquets can boss the midfield by both defending and creating chances. Busquets has a contract with the club until 2023, and it is difficult to imagine him playing anywhere else. His experience will be invaluable to the rising stars at Blaugrana.