Football Club Barcelona endured one of their toughest campaigns last term as they lost out their title to arch-rivals Real Madrid. The Catalan giants are now under the management of new coach Ernesto Valverde, who is expected to ring in the changes ahead of a testing 2017/18 campaign. Calcio Insider looks into three players, who could link up with the Spanish giants during this summer’s transfer window.
Marco Verratti – Paris Saint-Germain: The Italy international is regarded as one of the best central midfielders across Europe. Verratti has previously hinted at his desire to play alongside the likes of Neymar and Lionel Messi, and this could be fulfilled this summer with Barcelona prepared to cough up a club-record sum for his signature. The only stumbling block in the deal remains Paris Saint-Germain’s reluctance to sell to a direct competitor in the Champions League.
Ander Herrera – Manchester United: The Spanish footballer has progress leaps and bounds over the past year after having found his feet under manager Jose Mourinho. Herrera managed to maintain a regular spot in the starting lineup last term as he was often handed the tough-tackling duties alongside veteran Michael Carrick. Herrera has just a year left on his existing United deal and any further delay could encourage a potential reunion with Valverde at Camp Nou.
Davinson Sanchez – Ajax: Similar to Verratti, the 21-year-old has previously admitted his ambition to play for Barcelona. Physically built, Sanchez had proved a key player for the Amsterdam club, who ended up runners-up to Manchester United in the Europa League final. His prowess has attracted interest from Premier League club Crystal Palace, but Barca would still hold the upper hand, should they step up their pursuit for his services.
Barcelona have so far managed to re-sign Gerard Deulofeu from Everton this summer, and Valverde will stress the need to further strengthen the squad which underperformed in key games in Europe last term.
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