Barcelona summer transfers: Potential starting XI for 2022/23
Barcelona's 2021/22 campaign was a disappointing one with off-field turmoil and on-field underachievement melding to create something altogether forgettable.
Xavi's return as manager and Joan Laporta's second spell as president has at least injected some positivity back into the club, and although those financial demons have not been entirely exhumed, there is optimism heading into the new season.
Here is how the Blaugrana could line up when all of their planned business is completed.
Barcelona 2022/23 goalkeepers
The goalkeeping department is the only area of the Barcelona squad not likely to witness major changes this summer.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is a perfectly adequate number one choice and still has three years to run on his deal, while backup options Neto and Arnau Tenas are not out of contract until next summer.
Barcelona 2022/23 defenders
Right, there's a lot to get through, so let's work from right to left...
Once again, Sergino Dest's future is up in the air and with Dani Alves' yet to be offered fresh terms after an impressive short-term stint, Barcelona are in the market for a right-back.
Top of their shopping list is Cesar Azpilicueta, who Chelsea are willing to let depart for a nominal fee. Moussa Wague's recovery from injury will provide Xavi with another option, but a loan exit cannot be ruled out.
Star centre-back Ronald Araujo, who penned a new contract recently, will likely stay put amid vast Premier League interest, and the Uruguayan could be partnered by new arrival Andreas Christensen, who is joining on a free transfer.
Eric Garcia will be competing for minutes, as well as Gerard Pique - who is among the senior players being pushed to take a further wage cut.
Then there's the capable Oscar Mingueza, who could be sold if Barca can find a bidder, and Samuel Umtiti. Umtiti is currently on that strange four-year contract that he signed with drastically reduced wages so the club could register Ferran Torres in January. Obviously, the Blaugrana would prefer he leave but finding a suitor will be very hard.
Over on the left Jordi Alba will continue as the first choice but the potential arrival of Marcos Alonso will provide him with some much-needed competition. Jose Gaya has also been linked, and as a result Alex Balde could be loaned out.
Listen now to 90min's brand new podcast, Talking Transfers, with Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey & Toby Cudworth, as they digest the latest transfer rumours in the world of football.
Barcelona 2022/23 midfielders
Sergio Busquets is good for at least one more year and Pedri will be hoping for a less injury-plagued season.
Complementing these two Spaniards in midfield will be Franck Kessie, whose move from AC Milan has been an open secret for many months.
In the other direction, Frenkie de Jong could be moved on with Manchester United interested. Riqui Puig has one year left on his deal and is also in danger of being sold, while Sergi Roberto looks poised to extend his stay at Camp Nou.
The club also want Gavi to pen fresh terms, amid interest from across Europe in the youngster's services.
In addition, there is the issue of Miralem Pjanic. Pjanic spent the season at Besiktas but has indicated he wants to stay at Barca this time out. Perhaps Juventus can be convinced to take him back?
Barcelona 2022/23 forwards
The headline signing Barcelona are looking to make this summer is Robert Lewandowski. The striker is keen on the move - he has made that abundantly clear - and his arrival would be massive for the Catalan giants.
For this to happen Memphis Depay and Martin Braithwaite would almost certainly need to leave, but both players want to stay.
Ansu Fati has been linked with a big-money exit before but Xavi would be unlikely to sanction his exit this summer. Ferran Torres is probably safe too, despite an inauspicious start to life at the club.
Ousmane Dembele's imminent exit will at least free up some space on the wage bill, with the wideman edging closer to Chelsea.
Neither Adama Traore nor Luuk de Jong look like sticking around following their loan moves.
Barcelona 2022/23 potential starting XI
- (GK) Marc-Andre ter Stegen
- (RB) Cesar Azpilicueta, (CB) Ronald Araujo, (CB) Andreas Christensen, (LB) Jordi Alba
- (CM) Sergio Busquets, (CM) Franck Kessie, (CM) Pedri
- (RW) Ferran Torres, (ST) Robert Lewandowski, (LW) Ansu Fati