What changes could Barcelona make to their squad for the next season?

This season was rather strange for Barcelona. Starting with the mega-sale of Neymar and then to big-name signings like Dembele and Coutinho. The Catalan giants once again conquered Spain with the domestic double but failed to make a mark in Europe. Their exit from Champions League was the only dark spot in Valverde's sparkling first season. Barcelona won the La Liga unbeaten which is an incredible achievement. But still, people debate that this season was not successful enough for Barcelona, probably because of the standards they have set for themselves.

Barcelona is one of those teams whose squad is updated almost every year. Players are sold, brought, sent on loan and some are even promoted from Barcelona B. Let's have a look at the changes that La Liga Champions could make to be even more balanced for the next season and further aim for the treble:

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Goalkeepers:

Definitely the best second choice keeper in the world.

There's absolutely no need for any changes in this position. Ter Stegen has been brilliant all season and is now one of the best keepers in the world. Stegen averages 0.58 goals per game apart from 19 clean sheets so far. Whereas, Cillessen On the other hand, in Barca's Copa del Rey triumph, Cillessen played an integral role where he kept 7 clean sheets in 9 games. What can a manager want more from both his keepers?

Both of them are great with the ball at their feet and suit Barcelona's style of play perfectly. European clubs are keeping a tab on Cillessen as he is underplayed by Valverde. All Barcelona needs to do is to hang onto both of them and give some more minutes to Cillissen.

Changes: None

Defenders:

Pique and Sergi Roberto in action

Pique and Umtiti should be the obvious choices for the center-back spots. While Vermaelen should be the first backup defender. Conceding just 0.6 goals/game, it's clear that Barcelona's defence is pretty much sorted out for the manager.

Yerry Mina was one of Barca's winter signings. The tall and young Colombian defender is a great prospect but lacks European experience. He should be loaned out to get minutes and develop as a player. Surely many mid-table teams will be interested in the services of Mina. Marlon Santos who is on loan already should be considered too. Maybe Valverde would like him to be on loan for another season.

On the other hand, Barcelona should consider bringing in a young but experienced central defender like De Ligt from Ajax.

What a season this guy is having!

There's no need for any changes on the left back spot. Jordi Alba has been fantastic this season. The Spaniard fullback has 8 assists to his name in La Liga. Lucas Digne has also put in decent performances whenever needed.

On the right back spot, Nelson Semedo and Sergi Roberto should be the obvious choices. Roberto boasts a massive 91% passing accuracy apart from his 6 assists in the league. Semedo also showed his capabilities whenever he was given a chance ahead of Roberto.

There's absolutely no chance of Aleix Vidal getting a run in that spot. It's also becoming clear that Vidal's tenure at Barca is nearing an end.

Barcelona B captain Sergi Palencia should be promoted to the first team too. He has been very influential for his side and promoting him would mean that Roberto can play in midfield which is his natural position.

Changes:

Sell: Aleix Vidal

Buy: De Ligt & promote Sergi Palencia

Loan out: Yerry MIna and Marlon Santos

Midfielders:

(Considering that Valverde will continue with a 4-man midfield next season.)

Ivan Rakitic has been quietly impressive this season

The central midfield spots will be rightfully occupied by Busquets and Rakitic. Stats can not show what Busquets does on the pitch but surely the Spanish midfielder is the engine of Barcelona's midfield. Rakitic has been playing a slightly defensive role this season. He may not have scored or assisted many goals but this is one of his better seasons at the Catalan club.

Iniesta's departure means Coutinho is going to the wide player on the left side on the pitch whereas, on the right midfield spot we have Dembele. Both Coutinho and Dembele are highly skilled but performances have shown that Dembele needs some more time to fit in perfectly. Coutinho has created 26 chances for his team, grabbing 5 assists and 2 goals to his name in just 13 matches. Whereas, Dembele has also 5 assists in 13 matches in the league so far.

Paulinho can help out in central midfield as he has done throughout the campaign. He has been directly involved in 10 goals during the La Liga campaign. For the wide midfield spots, Denis Suarez should be selected more often.

Andre Gomes has not lived up to the expectations of the fans. Even after playing in all positions in the midfield, Gomes has not shown any signs of improvement. Gomes has no direct involvement in any goals in the Spanish League this season. Denis has 2 goals and 2 assists to his name even after playing lesser than Gomes. Barcelona will be looking to offload him in the summer.

Rafinha, who is on loan at Inter Milan should be brought back. He has been great in Itlay so far. Rafinha, being a La Masia graduate is totally aware of Barcelona's football. He should be trusted to play centrally or even on the right on midfield.

The new boy, Arthur is a great signing. His skills and technique are widely appreciated by fans all over the world. He should be kept with the first team so as to learn the Barcelona's style of play quickly.

Carles Alena, another La Masia graduate, is expected to be promoted next season from the B-team. This is surely going to a great move for the Catalan side. It will be exciting to watch a talented 20-year-old playing in the midfield.

Juan Camara's loan move should be extended for his development, Whereas, Arda Turan can be sold permanently

Changes:

Buy: Arthur (Confirmed already)

Sell: Andre Gomes and Arda Turan

Loan: Bring back Rafinha from Inter and extend Camara's loan.

Forwards:

Messi and Suarez -the Dream Duo

Messi and Suarez have been working a lot this season. Their telepathic connection will be trusted again for the next season. There were rumors about Barcelona looking to replace Suarez with Griezmann. Some would like this idea but breaking such a connection is not particularly advised. Griezmann is a top-notch player but will require a lot of time to settle in the team. Messi and Suarez have 55 goals and 21 assists combined in La Liga. Surely both of them have had a good season individually too.

Paco Alcacer has not shown much improvement since previous seasons. Although he has scored 4 goals and assisted 3 so far during the unbeaten run, he has been underused this season by Valverde. A team like Barcelona would like to have even better stats from a striker. He was also played in the wide role by Valverde to help out the midfield. He can be loaned out for a season to get more game time to sharpen his abilities

Gerard Deulofeu is on loan at Watford. Some of his performances have been far better than at Barcelona. Deulofeu should be loaned out for another season for further development.

Jose Arnaiz was a bright spark at the Copa Del Rey. The young Barca B striker has been amazing. He bagged 3 goals in 3 games for the senior team in the cup matches too. He should be promoted surely. Being at Barcelona B, Arnaiz will fit in almost perfectly with Valverde's ideas in the senior team.

Munir has been great for Alaves while on loan. The decision of sending him on loan has paid off and now it seems the right time to bring him back.

Changes:

Buy: Promote Jose Arnaiz (from Barcelona B)

Sell: none

Loan: Bring back Munir(on loan at Alaves); extend Deulofeu's loan (Watford); Loan out Paco Alcacer.