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To kickstart their summer transfer activities, Barcelona recently unveiled Memphis Depay as the club's new summer signing. However, in recent days, the Catalans have been linked with more outgoing than incoming players.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the financial situation in Barcelona along with years of financial mismanagement. It is certain that the Blaugrana will first have to sell some players before they can bring in more new faces.
Ronald Koeman will be glad that Lionel Messi is close to extending his stay at the Camp Nou. But in order to challenge for the La Liga title next season, Barcelona must sign reinforcements, especially in defense and midfield. Here is a look at five players who have been linked with Barca this summer:
#5 Alessio Romagnoli | AC Milan
One of the players who has been consistently linked with a move to Barcelona this summer is Alessio Romagnoli from AC Milan. The Catalans reportedly want the centre-back and will send Philippe Coutinho to Italy in exchange.
Romagnoli has refused to sign a contract extension at Milan. With his current deal running out next summer, the club might be tempted to sell their captain this summer in order to avoid him leaving for free in 2022.
In his six years with AC Milan, Romagnoli has made over 200 appearances in all competitions. He is known for his accurate passing and is extremely capable defensively. Last season, the 26-year-old completed an average of 3.5 clearances, 0.8 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game.
While Romagnoli is an integral player in Stefano Pioli's team, it appears likely that he might soon be on his way to Barcelona. Ronald Koeman will be eager to improve his squad's defense after they conceded 38 goals in the previous campaign - the most among the clubs which finished in the top four in La Liga. Barcelona are also in dire need of a left-footed, ball-playing center back and Romagnoli fits that bill quite nicely.
#4 Donny van de Beek | Manchester United
Donny van de Beek's first season at Manchester United has not gone according to plan at all. Out of the 38 Premier League games, the Dutchman was in the squad on 34 occasions but started just four games. He also finished the season with only one goal and two assists in 36 matches across all competitions.
Having failed to nail a spot in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's starting XI, van de Beek might leave United this summer. He has reportedly been offered the chance to join Barcelona.
The 24-year-old is currently valued at €40 million, but with limited finances, the La Liga giants could push for a loan deal. Reports have also suggested that Barcelona could offer Samuel Umtiti in a swap deal for van de Beek. Umtiti has fallen out of favor at Barcelona and his recent injuries have also forced him to consider a move out of Camp Nou.
Should the deal between the two clubs work out, Barcelona will have a quality midfielder in their ranks. It would also be a good opportunity for van de Beek, who can start afresh after a disappointing 2020-21 season.
#3 Jose Luis Gaya | Valencia
Barcelona have also been linked with a move for Valencia's Jose Luis Gaya this summer. According to Marca, Gaya has been identified as an ideal replacement for Jordi Alba, should the veteran left-back leave the club this summer.
The 26-year-old is currently the captain of Valencia and can play either as a left-back or left-midfielder. Last season, he scored one goal and provided seven assists for Los Che.
With Alba currently among the top earners at Barcelona, Gaya would probably be a cheaper and younger option for the club. However, Alba is determined to stay at the Camp Nou. He said:
“I have three years remaining on my contract and I feel able to complete them. The decision of the club is there, but my intention is to stay at Barcelona for life.”
#2 Renato Sanches | LOSC Lille
After joining LOSC Lille as the club's most expensive signing, Renato Sanches helped his team win the Ligue 1 trophy in his second season. His value has since soared even higher after those performances and his displays at Euro 2020. Barcelona are now amongst the many clubs eager to sign the 23-year-old this summer.
According to AS, Sanches may join the Blaugrana if Koeman's side fail to strike a deal for Saul Niguez. However, Lille's asking price of €35 million is a stumbling block for Barcelona, who will be unable to afford such a high fee this summer.
At the moment, a loan with an option or obligation to buy seems more likely to take place. In his two seasons in France, Sanches has played in a variety of midfield positions. The Portuguese is also adept at passing, dribbling, crossing and set-pieces.
He has also been likened to Patrick Vieira by some fans. Vieira himself praised Sanches and said:
"Everybody was waiting for him to be one of the top young players for the future. He moved to Bayern Munich where he had a very difficult period. I don’t think it was the right place for him to keep developing. But last year with Lille, he did really well. He wasn’t really consistent during the season, but he had some flashes of his talent."
#1 Saul Niguez | Atletico Madrid
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are reportedly in talks over a swap deal involving Antoine Griezmann and Saul Niguez. The former joined Barca in the summer of 2019 but could return to his old club as Barcelona look to trim their wage list. Meanwhile, Saul graduated from Atletico Madrid's youth academy and has been playing for them ever since.
After winning the La Liga title last season, however, Los Rojiblancos are ready to let Niguez leave. Saul hardly featured for the Spanish champions, starting just 22 La Liga games as a change of formation by Diego Simeone significantly reduced his playing time.
In addition to Barcelona, Saul has also garnered interest from Liverpool. Speaking about the transfer speculation, Atletico manager Simeone explained:
"We cannot put aside what is rumoured and talked about. If he has to leave, give him a big hug, wish him the best with the boys who gave us life and to continue being friends, as always. Either to Barcelona or elsewhere.”
