Barcelona’s potential 2022/23 starting XI featuring six signings

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Xavi may not have won a trophy during his first six months as Barcelona manager but he did ensure the Spanish giants qualified for the Champions League.

The club’s legendary former midfielder will now set about improving his squad, but he will have to be savvy in the transfer market.

The Nou Camp side remain cash-strapped and that will restrict the amount they can spend this summer. It could well mean that star players like Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong are sold to allow Xavi to sign players for Blaugrana.

The club are still restricted by La Liga’s ‘one in four regulation’ that only allows them to spend £1m for every £4m they save.

TBR takes a look at Barcelona’s potential 2022/23 starting XI.

Barcelona’s potential 2022/23 starting XI

Marc-André ter Stegen

With the German’s contract with the Catalan’s running until 2025, Ter Stegen is likely to be one of the few players that isn’t threatened by competition ahead of next season.

The 30-year-old remains one of the best goalkeepers in Europe and the former Gladbach stopper has been Barcelona’s number one for the last eight years.

César Azpilicueta

Chelsea triggered a one-year extension in their club captain’s contract, but that hasn’t stopped talk of a move to Barcelona materialising this summer.

According to Mundo Deportivo, negotiations for Azpilicueta to join Barcelona are expected to ramp up following Todd Boehly’s £4.25billion takeover being approved by the UK government.

After 10 years in west London, it looks like the 32-year-old is ready to return to his homeland and embark on a new chapter.

Ronald Araújo

The Uruguayan international committed his long-term future to Barcelona by signing a new contract last month.

At the age of 23 and with Gerard Pique coming to the end of his career, Araujo is likely to be at the heart of Barca’s defence for the next decade.

Andreas Christensen

Like his Chelsea teammate Antonio Rudiger, Christensen looks to be heading to Spain to join one of the Spanish giants on a free transfer.

However, according to Sport, due to their current financial situation, Barcelona are currently unable to register Christensen as a new signing.

Marcos Alonso

Like his compatriot Azpilicueta, it seems that Alonso is keen on a summer switch to Barcelona and challenging Jordi Alba for the left-back spot under Xavi.

Alonso’s contract at Stamford Bridge also expires in 2023 and with the club’s ownership saga put to bed, attentions can switch to shaping Thomas Tuchel’s squad for next season, which is unlikely to feature Alonso.

In Barcelona’s potential 2022/23 starting XI – Alonso completes a Barcelona defence that has a strong Chelsea feel to it.

Franck Kessie

The Ivory Coast international, who finished his time with AC Milan by winning the Scudetto, is in the same situation as Christensen that Barcelona may have to wait to register Kessie as a new signing.

The 25-year-old will add steel and quality to Xavi’s midfield and Kessie’s arrival could signal a reduction in playing time for Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets.

Gavi

According to 90min, Liverpool have apparently made a fresh approach to land the Barcelona starlet – Gavi, who has a 50 million euro release-clause inserted in his contract.

However, the same report states that Barcelona are confident that the 17-year-old wonderkid will sign a new contract which will contain a huge release clause.

Gavi represents the future of Barcelona and the club need to get him nailed down to a new contract as soon as possible.

Pedri

Unlike Gavi, Pedri’s Barcelona future is assured after the teenager signed a new long-term deal in October.

The Spanish pair have the potential to create a similar legacy to that of Barcelona legends Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

With every passing season, Pedri’s importance to the Barcelona side will only grow due to his array of dazzling talent. They not only represent the future, but also the present.

Raphinha

Barcelona’s pursuit of the Brazilian international is going to hinge on whether Ousmane Dembele decides to stay at the Nou Camp and sign a new deal.

But TBR are making the bold prediction that the Frenchmen won’t reach an agreement and will seek pastures new this summer.

However, Barcelona now know Leeds United want at least £47 million for Raphinha, and the Spanish side are going to have to do some selling in order to sign the former Rennes man.

Ansu Fati

If Barcelona can manage to keep the 19-year-old superstar fit, it will feel like they have a new signing.

Fati has been plagued with injuries over the last two seasons, but he remains one of the most talented and exciting youngsters across Europe.

Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona and Lewandowski are keen to join forces this summer although Bayern Munich are reluctant to lose the prolific marksman.

However, with the Poland international’s contract in Bavaria expiring next summer a deal could be reached, but similar to Raphinha, it’s all going to hinge on Barcelona’s financial reach.

Lewandowski completes Barcelona’s potential 2022/23 starting XI.