The moves in and out of the Nou Camp this summer are quite impressive.
After failing to win a single trophy in 2013/14 and being humbled in the Champions League by Atletico Madrid, FC Barcelona are going through something of a transition this summer.
Head coach Gerardo Martino was sacked and replaced by Luis Enrique, captain Carles Puyol has retired and goalkeeping duo Victor Valdes and Jose Pinto have both left the Nou Camp.
Here is an overview of the arrivals and departures – both confirmed and expected – this summer, according to Spanish publication Sport.
Confirmed arrivals:
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
After impressing with Borussia Monchengladbach last term the 22-year-old German was snapped up by the Catalans to help ease the loss of Valdes.
Ter Stegen is billed as one of the most promising ‘keepers in European football currently and at £9.7m is something of a bargain for the Spanish giants.
Claudio Bravo
Competing with the Germany international for a place between the sticks is this former Real Sociedad No.1, who also greatly impressed at the 2014 World Cup with his nation Chile.
At £9.5m the 31-year-old cost around the same as ter Stegen and it’s unknown who will be the regular between the sticks come next season.
Ivan Rakitic
With one year remaining on his current deal with Sevilla the Catalonia outfit were in a great position for negotiation for this Croatia international and snapped up Rakitic for £16.1m.
The midfielder made a great impression on La Liga last campaign, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists and also helping his side to Europa League success.
Total: £35.3m.
Expected arrivals:
Luis Suarez
There is much talk surrounding the future of this controversial forward, who was in the headlines for the wrong reasons during the World Cup for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.
Suarez is currently serving a four-month ban for that misdemeanour, but that hasn’t put Barca off aiming to complete a £75m deal for the Uruguay international.
Marquinhos
Much was made of the club’s lack of defensive quality last season, with Gerard Pique the only centre-back who seemed to have any authority – although much is expected of Marc Bartra.
That is why at 20-years-old they view this versatile Brazilian as the ideal man to bolster the back four, although with Paris Saint-Germain having spent £30.1m on Marquinhos the Catalans will have to fork out £31.8m.
Juan Cuadrado
The World Cup certainly serves as a platform for players to show the best clubs in the world they are worth purchasing and Fiorentina’s Cuadrado did that it abundance.
The Colombia international had a fine tournament and with the ability to play at right-back, right wing or in midfield, the South American is also extremely versatile and would set any potential suitor back around £27.8m.
Jeremy Mathieu
Another defender now, although at 10 years Marquinhos’ senior the Frenchman would be brought in for his experience as opposed for his contribution to the team in the long-term.
Javier Mascherano often looks lost in central defence and having impressed with Valencia, Mathieu’s £11.9m asking price could well prove to be worth it.
Total: £146.5m.
Confirmed departures:
Cesc Fabregas
Having returned to his boyhood club from Arsenal in 2011, it looked to be a dream move for all involved and yet three years on and the exit of Fabregas has left something of a sour taste.
The 27-year-old was even booed at points last term by his own fans and Chelsea have swooped in to end the Spaniard’s misery in a £26.6m switch.
Carles Puyol
As one of the most successful footballers in history Puyol can bow out of the game with his head held high at 36-years-old, deciding to call time on his career this summer rather than receiving one last pay packet abroad.
Victor Valdes
The stopper confirmed months ago that this would be his last year at the Nou Camp and AS Monaco remain favourites to sign the 32-year-old despite the fact he is currently sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury.
Jose Pinto
A ‘keeper that got more chances than expected in his final season with Barca due to the injury to Valdes, although never really looked like possessing Champions League quality.
Total: £26.6m.
Expected departures:
Alexis Sanchez
Despite having impressed for both club and country in the last 12 months, the imminent arrival of Suarez means the Chile international is surplus to requirements for Enrique.
Liverpool and Juventus have both shown interest in the 25-year-old, but it looks as if Arsenal are going to be the ones to land the South American for £32m.
Dani Alves
Despite remaining the most expensive right-back of all time and showing last season that at 30-years-old the Brazilian can still cut it at the top, Barca are keen to sell.
PSG are ready to pay the £9.5m asking price and complete their Samba Boys back line – which already contains Brazil captain Thiago Silva and new £40m signing David Luiz.
Alex Song
Like Fabregas this Cameroon international also made the switch from the Gunners to the Nou Camp, although with less success, and is now ready to move on.
With an abundance of talent in central midfield already Song has found game time hard to come by and many clubs are on standby to try and sign the £8m rated African.
Ibrahim Afellay
Upon joining the Catalans many thought this Netherlands international was going to be the next big thing and yet things have turned out far from rosy for the forward and the end is nigh.
Bojan Krkic
A youngster who showed so much promise and yet has faded away to the point where many forget the striker still exists in the game.
Jonathan dos Santos
Like his brother Giovanni the Mexican has not found his time in Catalonia that worthwhile and is likely to welcome a move away.
Isaac Cuenca
The seemingly endless conveyor belt of young talent from the club means that many are cast by the wayside and this winger is another expected to be on his way.
Oier Olazabal
With ter Stegen and Bravo having been bought this summer there is now little opportunity for game time for this 24-year-old ‘keeper.
Cristian Tello
Highly rated at Barca, but not good enough to get the game time he desires and the Catalans are willing to let him leave as a result.
Total: £57.5m.
Conclusion:
Total expenditure – £181.8m.
Total income – £84.1m.
With almost a £100m difference it would be an expensive summer for the club and one that UEFA’s FFP may have something to say about, but if they want to back Enrique then this looks necessary.
The acquisition of Suarez would of course be the big talking point and with the 27-year-old being part of a front three that also includes Lionel Messi and Neymar, it would be difficult to argue it wasn’t the finest attack in world football.
The only issue that now remains is if this significant an overhaul would be too disruptive to the team and their potential success.
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