The four Barcelona signings Ernesto Valverde needs

The four Barcelona signings Ernesto Valverde needs

Así juega Bellerín / | SPORT

A full-back, a centre-back, a midfielder and a forward are the aims of the board

There will not be total revolution but the squad will need to be updated

New signings will arrive for Barcelona this summer, with four players the likely number.

THE NEW ALVES

Dani Alves’ departure has been difficult to cover for. This season Luis Enrique has used Sergi Roberto and Aleix Vidal, but neither have come close to filling the Brazilian’s boots.

The preferred option would be Hector Bellerin, probably the fastest full-back in the world. He trained at La Masia, knows Barcelona style and is a key player for Arsenal. However he would cost a lot of money.

An alternative is Cesar Azpilicueta, essential at Chelsea. Valverde wanted him at Athletic Bilbao and Azpilicueta left the door open to a move, saying “it makes me proud to be linked with Barcelona, that means you’re playing well”.

Nelson Semedo (Benfica) is the third name on the list.

CENTRE BACK AGAIN

It’s not as urgent as the full-back, but Barcelona would do well to sign another one. Pique and Umtiti are the first choice pair but after that there are doubts. The club’s idea is that Mascherano continues but if they receive a big offer he may leave. Meanwhile Mathieu is set to leave, even though Valverde knows him well. Then there is the youngster Marlon, who has done well when called on.

Barcelona’s idea is to sign a young centre-back, with Ajax’s Davinson Sanchez an option. He is 20 and fast, good on the ball. Another name is 22-year-old Yerry Mina. 

MIDFIELD UNDER DEBATE

The reconstruction will need to focus here. Valverde gave some clues in his first press conference: He counts on Iniesta. But the Spaniard’s role is not clear. Will it be like Xavi under Luis Enrique? 

In terms of incomings, two names are stronger than others. Coutinho and Verratti. The Italian would fit better into the Barcelona ecosystem. With delicate touch and very dynamic, he could become a pillar of a big side. The problem is PSG do not want to sell.

There has been contact with Coutinho, although he is more of an attacking midfielder. In a 4-3-3 he would be better playing as one of the forwards than in the centre. It’s a situation that players like Arda Turan have been in.

In Valverde’s 4-2-3-1 he would fit nicely, but the coach says he will adapt to Barcelona and not the reverse. 

ATTACKING NECESSITY

The club want to sign a player capable of making a big impact when he comes off the bench. Someone who can change a game and help the trident.

One name is fairly obvious, that of Gerard Deulofeu. He has played well for three months at Milan, although he has some doubts about coming back to Barcelona and playing a secondary role. 

In a 4-2-3-1 he would have more chance of becoming a fixture in the side. 

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