BOLSTERING BARÇA

What signings would catapult Hansi Flick's Barcelona team to the next level?

If I were to describe the 24/25 season as a Culer, I’d say it was surprising. The club definitely exceeded my expectations going into the season by delivering a domestic treble and getting into the final four of the UEFA Champions League. What was surprising about this feat is that this was the same group of players bar Dani Olmo, Pau Victor and Wojciech Szczęsny, who had an abysmal campaign in the previous season. I would also say we were luckier than we usually are with injuries, albeit we had unfortunate absentees in key positions when crunch time came. In the subsequent 25/26 season, we can’t afford to ride our luck again by not strengthening the team and providing cover in the positions where the team is a little bit short. Depth in itself is good, but getting the right profiles is paramount. That’s really up to the cohesion between Hansi Flick and Deco’s team. What’s clear though, is the positions the club needs to reinforce.

1. GOALKEEPER

For a long time, the club has needed to sign a keeper who’ll show up and show out for the team on the big nights. As of 10/06/2025, the club has shown interest in La Liga’s goalkeeper of the season, Joan Garcia from Espanyol. From what I’ve seen, he could be the figure we have sought for so long. Should this transfer go through, Barça would have signed a keeper that fits the bill stylistically. His distribution with his feet and his unbelievable shot-stopping abilities would be perfect for the Blaugrana. Still at 24, Barça would have themselves a wall between the sticks for a decade.

Joan Garcia in the sticks for Catalonia National Team (Picture courtesy of Getty Images - NurPhoto)

2. LEFT BACK

In truth, the starting left-back position is safe in Alejandro Balde’s hands. What we need is cover for him when he needs to rest, seeing as how long the season will be. The club could go about this differently; look for a backup from within at La Masia or sign a player from elsewhere. Joffre Torrents’ name has been mentioned as a potential backup for Balde from the club’s academy. I’m not opposed to the club going down this route, especially after the recent successes we’ve had from trusting our own. However, if Flick strongly feels it would be necessary to sign someone from elsewhere, then it would be wise to heed his instruction. Alejandro Grimaldo, ex-La Masia, has been rumored to want to make a return to Spain and would be a good fit for the team. Another viable option for the club would be Sergi Cardona from Villarreal.

Possible left-back additions for FC Barcelona Alejandro Grimaldo(left), & Sergi Cardona(right) (Pictures courtesy of Getty Images - Cathrin Mueller & Quality Sport Images)

3. LEFT WINGER

The left wing for Barcelona has been a position we have needed to strengthen since the departure of Neymar all the way back in 2017. After multiple unsuccessful attempts, we finally saw some success down the left channel last season. Raphinha lit up the flank and had his most prolific season yet. While he was fielded as a left winger, he used to be deployed as an extra number 10, playing more centrally and making runs in behind the defence. A new left winger would not only ease Raphinha’s workload but also make our attack more dynamic. The profile the club needs to look out for is a touchline winger, preferably ambipedal. We need another wide threat to complement Lamine Yamal and also help Balde, who carried the left flank single-handedly last season. The names touted have been Nico Williams, Rafael Leao and Marcus Rashford. My personal favourite would be Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao. He’s a young, dangerous wide outlet with bags of pace and a strike on him. It also helps that he also already has good chemistry with our Spanish contingent of players. Another added advantage is that he is already accustomed to the league. The only issue would be the affordability of this deal, but should the club have the wherewithal, it would be wise to go down this route. The club could also go down the developmental route and seek the signature of young prospects like Malick Fofana (Olympique Lyonnais) or Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig).

Nico Williams celebrating a goal against Rayo Vallecano (Picture courtesy of Getty Images - Juan Manuel Serrano Arce)

Dreaming is free and if I had it my way, this would be how FC Barcelona would line up next season:

My dream Barcelona XI for the 25/26 season (Picture courtesy of FotMob)

More posts on this beautiful club will be on the way.

Owen.