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Andres Iniesta's 22-year association with the club came to a close with his last match at home against Sociedad. A spectacular farewell followed. As the curtains close on a magnificent career, it is time for the board to get proactive in the transfer market, to secure a replacement for the magician.
While the deal for Arthur is all but done, and another deal in principle for Antoine Griezmann, Barcelona need someone who can control and run the show from the middle of the park, just the way Iniesta did.
It is not going to be easy to replace arguably the best midfielder to have graced the pitch but it surely needs to be done if Barcelona are to challenge for silverware post the Iniesta era. With the World Cup in June, a lot of the players will come to the attention of the club. Here are a few of the options whom they should target in the upcoming transfer window:
#5 Anthony Martial
An out and out winger to replace a creative midfielder you ask?
Yes.
Barcelona lost Neymar this summer and replaced him with Ousmane Dembele and Coutinho. But the problem is, Dembele is at his lethal best when played on the right wing and Coutinho, for his skillset, should be utilized as a left-sided midfielder in a 3-man midfield, basically replacing Andres Iniesta.
That leaves a spot open on the left wing, where Martial would seamlessly fit in. He has struggled for playing time under Jose Mourinho and rumours of a rift between the two have picked up pace of late. Reports suggest that Martial has rejected a new contract at United and is keen to move on. The French forward has endured a tough time ever since his big-money move from AS Monaco and things have gone from bad to worse for the 22-year old when he was left out of the French squad for the World cup.
His talent is unquestionable and he has always performed whenever he has been called upon. He is quick on his feet, possesses immaculate control and has shown the maturity to take the right decisions in front of goal, which makes him a fantastic option for Barcelona.
While he may not be the most ideal Iniesta replacement, he could compensate for the Spaniard's absence with his skillset, allowing Coutinho to take up the midfield role.
#4 Miralem Pjanic
Miralem Pjanic is one of the best central midfielders in the world at the moment. Assists? Goals? Freekicks? You name it, and he has it. He is coming off the back of yet another remarkable season for the Old Lady, with 14 assists and 7 goals and has yet again made the Seria A Team of the Year.
His vision, off the ball movement and array of passes at his disposal make him tailor-made for Barcelona. At 28, he is entering his prime and now is the time for Barcelona to make a move for him. He moved from Roma for 28 million and if Juventus were to let go of one of their best midfielders, they need to be tempted with a bid in excess of 70 million pounds.
Already boasting the likes of Busquets and Rakitic, the addition of Pjanic will add a new dimension to the attack. While he may not possess the dribbling ability of Iniesta, he compensates with his exceptional reading of the game and ability to dictate the play, which is fundamental to Barcelona's style of play.
The midfield needs a huge overhaul this summer and Valverde has ensured that there will definitely be changes. Clearing out of several fringe players will ensure that Barcelona find the required funds to lure the former AS Roma playmaker.
#3 Frenkie de Jong
The young Ajax midfielder is having a brilliant season, racking up 8 assists in 22 matches in the Eredivisie, alerting all top European clubs. He is a central midfielder who can even slot in at the back when required.
Though employed in a more defensive role, de Jong often bombs forward, oh so effortlessly, reminding us of a young Iniesta. While his skills are raw, he needs a season or two before he eventually goes on to dominate at the top level. However, Barcelona must be quick to snap him up. Perhaps a deal to bring him in in the summer of 2019 will be a deal best served for all involved as he will have the chance to further polish his skills at Ajax.
At Barca, he'll have the attacking freedom to flourish, and can take up the No.8 position in the future.
#2 Christian Eriksen
The Danish midfielder, ever since his move from Ajax to Spurs, has put in several match-winning displays, attracting the interest of Europe's top clubs. He has established himself as one of the key players in the Pochettino setup, along with the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli etc.
He is tactically sound, thanks to the setup of Spurs, which concentrates on positional play and clear roles for the players, something similar to Barca. Good on the ball, with great vision and an eye for goal, he will be the perfect signing for the Liga giants.
He will slot right into the left side of a 3-man midfield, taking up the role of bringing the ball forward from the back. His playmaking ability is also exceptional as Spurs seem to play with ease whenever he is on the ball.
He has once again made the EPL Team of the Year, with 10 goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances, playing a vital role in helping Spurs finish 3rd on the table.
At 26, the opportunity to be a starter at one of the best clubs in the world could be too much for him to turn down if Barcelona come knocking.
Daniel Levy is known to be someone impossible to make a deal with. But Eriksen will be into the last year of his contract come next summer and now is the perfect time for Barcelona to pull out their checkbook and strike a deal that will see one of the most feared midfielders move to their shores.
#1 Thiago Alcantara
Once hailed as the heir to the likes of Xavi and Iniesta, Thiago was allowed to leave for peanuts, when Bayern got him for 25 million euros, in 2013. It was a decision that left the fans severely disgruntled at the board's priorities and transfer policy.
Perhaps it is time to get things back on track, and the first step could just be the signing of their 'prodigal' son.
It is not new for Barcelona, as over the years they have re-signed some of their former players - Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique being the two notable ones. Thiago is a perfect heir to Iniesta and is said to be keen on a return to the Spanish capital. He is a proven commodity at the highest level and has the 'Barca DNA'.
Bayern's constant choking in the Champions league might just leave Thiago with no choice but to go back home.
