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#3 Arthur Melo - Miralem Pjanic swap deal (2020)
The swap deal involving Arthur Melo to Juventus and Miralem Pjanic going to Barcelona in 2020 was one of the most head-scratching transfers in recent times.
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That was especially the case for the Blaugrana, who have built up a reputation for pulling off strange moves in the transfer market. Juventus, too, did not benefit greatly from the arrival of Melo. The 25-year-old played a bit-part role for the Old Lady in the 2020-21 season, registering 32 appearances, 14 of them from the bench.
Arthur has managed only one goal contribution since his move to Turin last summer. Miralem Pjanic fared worse at Camp Nou, failing to score a goal or register an assist. That makes this move another example of Barcelona's failing administration under ex-president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Pjanic made 30 appearances for the Blaugrana last season, including 15 substitute appearances. So it made little sense for Barcelona to swap the then-24-year-old Arthur for an ageing 30-year-old Pjanic.
#2 Luis Suarez to Atletico Madrid (2020)
Another transfer, including Barcelona that made little to no sense was the sale of Luis Suarez to their direct rivals Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2020.
The 34-year-old turned out to be exceptional in the Rojiblancos' first La Liga title in seven years, registering 24 goal contributions (21 goals, three assists) in 32 league appearances. Suarez was fourth in the list of goalscorers in the 2020-21 La Liga campaign, and played a pivotal role in Atletico Madrid's title run.
The reasoning behind Luis Suarez's sale was probably his declining returns due to his age. But Barcelona's recent acquisition of the 33-year old Aguero defies that logic. That makes the transfer of Suarez all the more baffling, as his tally of 21 goals could have made a massive difference for the Blaugrana's Champions League and La Liga hopes last season.
The exit of Suarez from Camp Nou meant most of Barcelona's goalscoring and creative responsibilities fell on the shoulders of Lionel Messi. The Argentine fared decently, but would've definitely benefitted from a helping hand.
Barcelona essentially handed Atletico Madrid the 2020-21 La Liga title for a £6.3 million transfer fee.
#1 Lionel Messi to PSG (2021)
The footballing world was left stunned when Barcelona announced that Lionel Messi would not sign a new contract with the club. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner is arguably Barcelona's greatest-ever and, for many, the greatest to have graced the beautiful game.
At the time, many football fans, especially the Blaugrana faithful, believed that a deal would be struck with La Liga regarding the financial regulations. That was not to be, and a heartbroken Messi announced his departure from the club in an emotional press conference. Days later, he was unveiled as a new PSG player.
Messi's Barcelona departure ended the player's 17-year-long illustrious association with the club, which saw the Argentine win 35 major trophies, including two continental trebles. He left Camp Nou with an incredible tally of 672 goals and 266 assists from 778 appearances.
Messi has now reunited with his good friend Neymar and French starlet Kylian Mbappe at a star-studded PSG roster brimming with quality in all positions.
