5 potential free agents Barcelona could target in 2022

#3 Franck Kessie - AC Milan

AC Milan v Hellas Verona FC - Serie A

Another midfielder who Barcelona could look to sign for free next summer is AC Milan's Franck Kessie.

The Ivorian international has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Serie A since joining the Rossoneri from Atalanta in the summer of 2017. He initially arrived on a two-year loan with an obligation to buy, which helped him seal a permanent transfer in 2019.

The 24-year-old has made 192 appearances, while chipping in with 31 goals and 15 assists so far for the club. He has been a pivotal figure for AC Milan over the last four years, playing a key role in their return to the Champions League. However, with the midfielder's contract expiring next summer, rumors are ripe that he could be on his way out of the club.

Barcelona could certainly be one of the clubs that pursues his signature. With Sergio Busquets not getting any younger, the Milan man could offer some valuable physicality and power in midfield. His arrival will not only improve the overall quality of Barcelona's midfield but will also add some stability and variety.

With a host of Premier League clubs pursuing Kessie, it will be interesting to see whether Barcelona can convince him. Milan are also believed to be desperate to try and lock him down to a new deal, despite contract talks hitting an impasse.

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#2 Antonio Rudiger - Chelsea

Chelsea v Manchester City - Premier League

Antonio Rudiger is currently enjoying the best phase of his Chelsea career, having been completely transformed by Thomas Tuchel after previously being a bit-part player under Frank Lampard. His performances have been so brilliant under Tuchel that he is even regarded by many as one of the best defenders in the Premier League at the moment.

Till date, he has made 159 appearances for the Blues, registering eight goals and three assists during the time. He played a big part in Chelsea's Champions League win last season and has been solid at the back for the Blues.

However, the long-term future of the German international is in doubt as he enters the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge. The club haven't been able to agree a new contract with him yet and as such he could be available on a free next summer.

Barcelona are definitely one of the clubs that could benefit hugely from the 28-year-old's arrival. Clement Lenglet's performances have been fairly questionable while Samuel Umtiti has been frozen out by the club in recent times. Barcelona are clearly in need of a new centre-back as soon as possible, despite the arrival of Eric Garcia in the summer.

With the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich also interested in the defender, it will be interesting to see whether Barcelona will be able to attract him. However, his high wage demands might prove to be a barrier to any potential deal for the club.

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#1 Paul Pogba - Manchester United

Manchester United v Villarreal CF: Group F - UEFA Champions League

Having been keen on Paul Pogba in 2016 and 2018, Barcelona now have the chance to sign him on a free transfer, with his contract set to expire next summer.

Pogba rejoined Manchester United from Juventus in the summer of 2016 and has since gone on to have a topsy-turvy time at Old Trafford. The French international, though, has been in fine form in the last few months for club and country.

The 28-year-old has started the new season strongly, having delivered seven assists in six appearances across all competitions so far. However, with Pogba entering the final year of his contract, he is yet to commit to his future at Old Trafford, which has attracted attention from a host of top clubs.

As mentioned earlier, Barcelona are in need of a midfielder, having chosen not to replace Ilaix Moriba or Miralem Pjanic in the first-team setup. The first-choice trio of Busquets, De Jong and Pedri have to shoulder even more burden in the Barcelona midfield this term.

As such, a player of Pogba's caliber is a viable option for Barcelona next summer. His creativity and vision could even add another dimension to Barcelona's midfield which they currently seem to lack.

Pogba has also been touted to join Barcelona's fierce rivals Real Madrid or return to his former club Juventus. The midfielder's future is certainly worth keeping an eye on.