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Ronald Koeman has been announced as the new manager of FC Barcelona. The club sacked Quique Setien and director of football, Eric Abidal, post-the catastrophic 8-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals. A lot of changes are expected.
Koeman stepped down from his role as the manager of the Netherlands national team to take over at Barcelona, a club where he enjoyed some incredible years as a player. He will looking to build his own team and the transfer window will be crucial for that. On that note, we look at:
5 players Ronald Koeman could sign at Barcelona
#5 SERGINO DEST, AJAX
With Sergi Roberto and Nelson Semedo used as rotation options at right-back and neither of them failing to make the spot their own, right-back has become a troublesome position for Barcelona since Dani Alves' departure.
Sergino Dest could prove to be the answer. A good passer and an adept crosser, the United States of America international enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season at Ajax, rotating at right-back with Noussair Mazraoui. While Barcelona have Emerson on loan at Real Betis, it has been suggested that he could be on the move.
The 19-year old Dest is young and could be moulded into a more complete right-back under Ronald Koeman's management. He has the potential to become the long-term solution to a problematic position.
#4 TANGUY NDOMBELE, TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
It is no secret that the relationship between Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho and Tanguy Ndombele is not cordial.
The midfielder joined Spurs from Lyon last season for a club-record fee of €62 million, but has found the going tough at the club. Ndombele has not impressed Mourinho with his performances on the pitch or the training ground, with the Portuguese criticising the France international publicly.
Barcelona were linked with the 23-year old a few months ago, with a two-year loan deal with an obligation to buy mooted. However, that has died down, with Inter Milan now interested as well. Meanwhile, it has been reported that Spurs are reluctant to sell him.
#3 LAUTARO MARTINEZ, INTER MILAN
A player Barcelona have been after for some time, Lautaro Martinez has enjoyed a fine season in Italy.
The Argentina international is seen as the long-term heir to Luis Suarez at the no.9 position. However, Barcelona failed to pay his €111 million release clause, which subsequently expired a few months ago.
Recent reports have suggested that left-back Junior Firpo could switch to Inter Milan as part of the deal, with Barcelona and the Italian side looking to find common ground.
The 22-year old Martinez has been one of Antonio Conte's key men this season, dovetailing well with fellow forwards Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku. Real Madrid and Manchester City have been linked with him as well.
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#2 ERIC GARCIA, MANCHESTER CITY
Eric Garcia has been linked quite a lot with Barcelona in recent weeks, with many reports suggesting that a move might be close.
A product of La Masia, Barcelona's famed youth academy, Garcia moved to Manchester City in 2017. The 19-year old made his debut for the club in 2018, before enjoying a breakthrough campaign last season. Garcia made 20 appearances in all competitions last season.
With just a year left in his contract, Barcelona could get the player for a resaonable price. The centre-back is said to be interested in a return to Spain, with Barcelona trying to find a way to bring the player back.
#1 DONNY van de BEEK, AJAX
Rumoured to the primary transfer target for Ronald Koeman, Donny van de Beek could very well be on his way to Camp Nou soon.
A central midfielder with a good engine and eye for goal, van de Beek has been linked to some of the biggest clubs in Europe, with Manchester United and Real Madrid in particular said to be extremely interested. The presence of former Netherlands manager Koeman at Barcelona could turn the tide however.
The 23-year old is a regular starter for Ajax as well as the Netherlands, with Koeman said to be a fan of the player. With Barcelona's midfield lacking someone with van de Beek's skill-set, a move would make sense for all parties concerned.
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