Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United can take advantage of Barcelona’s perilous financial situation by signing some of their top talent this summer. According to reports, there is a ‘belief’ among executives at top clubs that the La Liga outfit will need to sell at least one of their best young players this summer.
Barca desperately needed the commercial boost gained from winning the Champions League to keep their finances in order. While the club’s situation continues to improve, the Independent reports that the failure to win Europe’s top club prize could lead to one of their top young talents being sold for big money. With Arsenal, Liverpool and United in need of reinforcements, Express Sport looks at which Barca players might be of interest.
Pedri
The report claims that Lamine Yamal is off-limits to any interested party, but all other players could be on the table. If Yamal is considered the star attraction in Catalonia, then Pedri is not too far off. The midfielder has enjoyed another excellent season under Hansi Flick.
Compared in his homeland to Barca and Spain icon Andres Iniesta, the diminutive and versatile star is a passing freak. He has attempted an average of 81.05 passes per game this season and ranks in the 99th percentile among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive passes – making 10.63 per game.
The 22-year-old also carries the ball as well as any midfielder in Europe. If Liverpool want the perfect No. 6 for Arne Slot’s patient possession-based system, Pedri is their man.
Gavi
If Pedri is like Iniesta, then Gavi is the Xavi of his generation. He dribbles with the ball far less than his midfield team-mate and prefers to dictate possession. The 20-year-old is an excellent presser and may suit Ruben Amorim’s system at Man Utd, where he would be able to play as either a central midfielder or as a No. 10.
Arsenal are widely expected to add Martin Zubimendi to a midfield that already includes Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Thomas Partey, who could sign a new contract. The Gunners may therefore be less keen on Pedri and Gavi, but Liverpool could also be a potential destination with Slot set to make changes to his squad over the coming months.
Pau Cubarsi
Despite only turning 18 in January, Cubarsi has already made 76 appearances for Barca. He has been almost ever-present since breaking into the first-team midway through last term.
An excellent central defender who possesses strong passing and ball-carrying abilities, Arsenal might be monitoring, especially if they lose William Saliba to Real Madrid over the coming years. Liverpool and United could also benefit from strengthening their centre-back options.
Alejandro Balde
Liverpool and United could strengthen their left-hand side this summer. Patrick Dorgu arrived at Old Trafford in January, but Amorim may still want some competition at wing-back.
Balde is the prototype modern wing-back. The 21-year-old is a superb dribbler and creates an enormous number of chances. He has assisted a goal every six games in his 122 appearances since making his Barca debut.
The Spain international may need to prove he can defend before a Premier League team makes a move. Remarkably, football data platform FBRef ranks him in the bottom percentile for tackles and interceptions among full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.
A special mention also goes to fellow left-back Gerard Martin, who was excellent against Inter Milan and can play at centre-back.
Dani Olmo
While not necessarily a young player, Olmo carries plenty of value. The attacking midfielder only turned 27 this month and signed for Barca in a £60million deal last summer. The Catalan outfit would be able to earn that figure back if they sell the former RB Leipzig star 12 months on.
Olmo has previously been linked with Liverpool and United and would help to curb their creativity deficits, particularly when the Reds lose Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Spain international has had an excellent first season after returning to Barca, scoring 11 goals and providing six assists.