Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated that manager Xavi wants three more signings in this transfer window to help his squad compete in the Champions League.
Despite struggling with financial issues, Barcelona have already recruited Inigo Martinez and Ilkay Gundogan, but Xavi still wants more incomings to progress further in European competition.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Laporta claimed that Xavi wants two more midfielders and a right-back this summer.
“We are missing a right back and two midfielders. I don’t think it’s going to be very difficult for us to comply with what Xavi is asking for. In fact, there are several possibilities, several options,” he stated.
“Xavi has told us that he can now compete, but that we have to find a minimum means for Busquets and to be able to be two. Xavi says that we will go for the Champions League, and that it will almost be mandatory if we reinforce the team with a couple of players. He is very happy with the team and we will be candidates, but if we could improve it a bit.”
Who will Barcelona target?
Barcelona’s desire for a new midfielder to help replace Sergio Busquets is well-documented, with Oriol Romeu of Girona strongly linked and the indications are that the other signing could be a more attacking option to take the burden off Pedri.
If Franck Kessie, Nico Gonzalez and Pablo Torre depart, permanently or on loan, then another option in the middle could help support Pedri, Gavi and Ilkay Gundogan.
A right-back seems more of an issue than another central midfielder if they are to land Romeu, and Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda has been linked. The teenager is available for less than £20m following his side’s relegation, but there is interest from a lot of clubs across Europe.
If Barcelona can make enough sales to facilitate these signings, then the expectations for Xavi should be raised. Competing at the top of La Liga, and reaching the Champions League knockouts for the first time in his managerial career should be the minimum requirement given the investment into the squad.