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A big summer awaits Barcelona after a disappointing end to their 2020-21 campaign.
The club have already announced the signing of Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia on free transfers, while Memphis Depay looks likely to join as well. Nevertheless, Barcelona need to trim their squad, considering their precarious financial situation. There is also the future of Lionel Messi and his impending contract extension the Blaugrana need to consider.
On that note, let's take a look at five things Barcelona need to do in the transfer market this summer.
#5 Sell fringe players
It is no secret that Barcelona's activity in recent transfer windows has left a lot to be desired. Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho are yet to fully justify their big-money moves to Camp Nou.
Coutinho, in particular, has proved to be a catastrophic signing. There is no denying the Brazilian's talent. But Barcelona paid Liverpool an eye-watering fee of £121.5 million in January 2018 for Coutinho's services, but the player is yet to fit in at the club,
The 28-year old has made 90 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, scoring 23 goals and providing 14 assists. Barcelona will suffer a huge loss if they decide to sell Coutinho this summer, but it is necessary to get the Brazilian's wages off their books.
Similarly, striker Martin Braithwaite and left-back Junior Firpo, signed for a combined fee of £32.5 million, struggled for game time in 2020-21. Samuel Umtiti and Miralem Pjanic are two other big-names who could leave Barcelona this summer.
Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for England | UEFA Euro 2020.
#4 Barcelona need to sign a midfielder
It was evident that Barcelona were after a midfielder when they offered a contract to Liverpool's Georginio Wijnaldum.
The Netherlands international, whose Liverpool contract was about the expire, was very close to joining the Camp Nou outfit. However, Paris Saint-Germain came in with a better offer, and now it looks likely that Wijnaldum will join the Ligue 1 giants on a free transfer.
While Frenkie de Jong is a nailed-on starter for Barcelona, the same cannot be said about the likes of Sergio Busquets and Miralem Pjanic. The 18-year old Pedri was one of Barcelona's best players last season, but at his age, consistent top-level performances cannot be expected.
It is likely that Riqui Puig will get more chances next season, but Barcelona need to invest in a midfielder. With limited funds to work with, the La Liga giants will have to be shrewd about spending their money. Roma midfielders Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gonzalo Villar have been linked with Barcelona recently.
Also Read: 5 stars Chelsea could sign this transfer window.
#3 Barcelona need to improve their defence
Barcelona fans were not happy with the performances of right-back Sergi Roberto and centre-back Clement Lenglet in 2020-21.
With Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba both in their 30s, it's time for Barcelona to start focussing on their defensive personnel. The signing of full-back Sergino Dest last summer and the arrival of 20-year old centre-back Eric Garcia next season have been steps in the right direction.
Oscar Mingueza and Ronald Araujo also impressed as centre-backs during the 2020-21 season. There have been suggestions that Roberto and Lenglet could leave this summer. If that is the case, Barcelona will have to find the right replacements in the correct age bracket.
#2 Provide competition to Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the game, Marc-Andre ter Stegen did not enjoy a good season in 2020-21.
There were some high-profile errors by the Germany international. So it is clear the Barcelona shot-stopper needs some competition. Back-up goalkeeper Neto is likely to leave Barcelona this summer, and it has been reported that Barcelona B's Inaki Pena could take Neto's spot in the first team.
Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move for AC Milan's Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose contract expires this summer. The Italian looks set to join Paris Saint-Germain, though. Meanwhile, Ter Stegen has been linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund recently. So it will be interesting to see what Barcelona do regarding their goalkeeping situation.
#1 Renew Lionel Messi's contract
Lionel Messi dominated headlines last summer when he announced his decision to leave Barcelona. A move failed to materialise, though, and the Argentine superstar continued to captain Barcelona in 2020-21.
Regarded as Barcelona's greatest ever player, Lionel Messi will run out of contract in a few weeks. Initially, it seemed unlikely the 33-year old would sign a new deal with Barcelona, but recent rumours suggest that he could be more amenable to a deal now.
Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have both been heavily linked with Messi. Both clubs are capable of offering huge financial packages as well as guarantee success on the field. So renewing Messi's deal will of paramount importance for new Barcelona president Joan Laporta this summer.
Also Read: 5 most valuable players at Barcelona.
