Cash-strapped and in debt while the Camp Nou still lacks a paying audience, FC Barcelona will again have to forget big-money signings in the next summer transfer window.
Luckily for them, however, there are a number of stars available for free come June 2021, as detailed below.
Paul Pogba
Long a fancy piece of bitter rivals Real Madrid, and admitting last week it would be a “dream” to join Zinedine Zidane’s men, the World Cup winner has not enjoyed success at Manchester United where he was once the second most expensive player in the world.
Alongside Frenkie de Jong, he could easily slot into Ronald Koeman’s double pivot system and get his club career back on track.
David Alaba
Strongly linked to the Blaugrana last year, the Austrian scored an own goal for them in Bayern Munich’s 8-2 Champions League destruction that spelled the firing of head coach Quique Setien.
Able to play a number of positions in central midfield and defence, in addition to being comfortable on each wing, Alaba provides fantastic value for money whatever his wage demands might be.
Sergio Aguero
Already offloading Luis Suarez and passing on Edinson Cavani, Barca haven’t shown form to opt for veteran strikers. But the City target man’s strong relationship with Lionel Messi could factor in to one last dance in La Liga.
Angel Di Maria
The same kind of logic as above applies here, yet in recently leading PSG to the UCL final, the Argentine has proven he still has what it takes at the top level of soccer.
Juan Bernat
Junior Firpo unwanted by Koeman, the Spain international is reaching his peak at 27 and could provide competition and support to the aging and often injured Jordi Alba.
This would also take pressure off Sergino Dest on the other flank, who will have to stand in for Alba in El Clasico in 11 days’ time.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is on the verge of signing a new contract until 2025. So one would think that at 21, Italy shotstopper Donnarumma would not wish to fritter away the years from 21 onwards to play second fiddle to the German. You never know, though.