FC Barcelona Decide Four New Signings For 2024: Reports

FC Barcelona have already decided which four positions they would like to strengthen in 2024 through making new signings, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The cash-strapped Catalans will only be able to bring in one fresh face in January, and that should be Brazil international Vitor Roque.

Barca struck a deal worth a fixed €30 million ($31.5 million) plus €31 million ($32.5 million) in add-ons with Athletico-Paranaense for him in mid-July.

Though there were efforts to incorporate the teenager this summer, after a shortage of options on the wings emerged when Ez Abde, Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati all left the club, the original agreement was always for Vitor Roque to cross the Atlantic at the turn of 2024.

Barca will struggle to make the transfer happen given their outgoings on salaries and Financial Fair Play issues.

And while rectifying this will be the focus of their energies in the winter, Barca are already planning for 2023/2024 by eyeing signings in four different positions according to Mundo Deportivo.

Head coach Xavi Hernandez would like to have two players in every position but Barca’s financial predicament means he has had to lower his expectations.

At the bare minimum, though, the legendary midfielder would like at least a left and right back, a defensive midfielder and an interior.

At right back, Barca plan to make Joao Cancelo’s loan deal permanent even if that means paying Manchester City more than €20 million ($21 million).

Over on the other flank, La Masia graduate Alejandro Balde is the undisputed starter but back up beyond Marcos Alonso is needed.

Without the need to buy a new player, however, Alex Valle could come back from Levante on loan and already has the thumbs up from Xavi.

At pivot, Oriol Romeu impressed at first when joining from Girona but has been criticised for his displays as of late.

Barca could look to Joshua Kimmich, whose Bayern Munich contract expires in 2025 making him cheaper than his €100 million ($105 million) release clause next summer.

A cheaper alternative would be Royal Antwerp’s Arthur Vermeeren, rated at around €20 million ($21 million) and Barca sporting director Deco has already made enquiries about the Belgian when the two sides met recently in the Champions League.

As for a more attacking midfielder, Xavi has plenty of options with the likes of Pedri, Gavi, Ilkay Gundogan and Fermin Lopez.

If he remains satisfied with the quartet, and Frenkie de Jong who is also able to play pivot, Barca might focus their efforts on winger Joao Felix instead to prevent him returning to Atletico Madrid on June 30.