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FC Barcelona might have lifted the domestic double in 2017/18 but they know that they are miles behind their arch-rivals in the Spanish capital, at the moment.
The Catalans would be looking ahead to a busy summer as they need to splash cash in the market to compete with Real Madrid. The World Cup is the only thing standing in their way for now.
Potential transfer targets have been marked and the pursuit should begin once the mega tournament concludes.
In terms of major transfer activity, Paulinho has returned to China on a season long loan, while Arthur from Gremio has been signed to fill in for the Brazilian. Also, the club has secured the signing of Clement Lenglet from Sevilla to bolster their defensive options.
Clearly, the Spanish Champions are not looking for anything mediocre in the upcoming season.
However, there are quite a few areas in their squad which require some immediate attention. Here are the positions they still need to strengthen.
# 4. Right-wing
Barcelona experienced a substantial lack of creativity last season. Valverde found his men over-relied on Lionel Messi for any sort of spark in the creative department.
The team lacked a proper winger who could capitalize on the space created by the team's midfield. Andres Iniesta and Philippe Coutinho majorly dominated the flanks, both of them preferring to play inside rather than out.
The Catalans' options from the bench were also limited to Osumane Dembele, Paulinho or Paco Alcacer. When trailing or held by the opposition, the team struggled to provide a new dimension on the pitch in the latter stages of the game.
The Spanish giants need to make a promising signing who can be used on the right-wing. Also, such a player who could be used to reduce Lionel Messi's workload, when needed.
Willian has strongly been linked with a move to Barcelona recently. He is the kind of player the team needs. If they manage to pull this signing of, it could solve their major troubles in the final third.
# 3. Centre forward
Luis Suarez's form last season was a concern for Valverde. The player was misfiring for a greater part of the last season. His goals came in bursts which eventually increased the pressure on Lionel Messi.
He scored only 31 goals in all club competitions, which is poor by the club's standards. When the club needed him the most against AS Roma in the quarter-final, he went missing.
For now, it would be pure conjecture to say that the Catalans are looking to replace him but they do need a back-up striker who is dependable enough.
Antoine Griezmann, the club's long-term target has now committed his future to the Madrid side. Barcelona need someone like Timo Werner who is desperate to make a mark at the top-level.
Perhaps Suarez's work needs to be reduced so that he can focus on big-games and return to the sort of form he was known for.
# 2. Central midfield
Valverde has incorporated a new formation at the home of Spanish Champions. His 4-2-3-1 or eventual 4-4-2 setup is different from the conventional 4-3-3 which formed the spine of this team.
The boss has used Ivan Rakitic in a deep lying play-maker role alongside Sergio Busquets. But the Croatian does not have the legs to do all that running. He prefers to be in a more attacking role.
The Spanish manager desperately wishes to have an upgrade over this position. He has always been monitoring the likes of Ikay Gundogan or Thiago in the transfer market.
The Croatian is having a phenomenal World Cup in Russia at the moment. However, with the player now being on the wrong side of 30, it's important that the club looks at a better option.
Lately, Barcelona have been linked with Manchester United star Paul Pogba. He would be a suitable option to look at because the manager would give him all that freedom he craves for on the pitch.
# 1. Holding midfield
Barcelona's midfield maestro, Sergio Busquets is arguably the best holding midfielder in the business at the moment.
Barcelona have always been studded with the geniuses of the game like Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta who have always eclipsed the performances of the 29-year-old. The Spaniard's abilities need absolutely no prologues.
While the player was accused of being rusty in 2016/17 season, he has glittered with his performances last term. The Spaniard has at least four more seasons under his belt at the top-level.
In 2017/18, he made a total of 50 appearances in all competitions. This is a significantly big number given Barca didn't even make it to the semi-finals of the Champions League and barely had any competition for the La Liga title.
The Spanish giants desperately need someone to cut his workload. Looking at the future, they must invest in a young player who can be mentored alongside the midfielder.
Barca cannot afford their engine to feel exhausted at any point of time if they are to mount any challenge to the mighty Real Madrid in 2018/19.
