Barcelona finished without a trophy across the 2021/22 season, and now it's up to the Catalan giants to retool for a revitalized campaign next season.
The club made a strong second-half push and secured Champions League play for next season, saving face for an otherwise fruitless campaign.
Still, there are many questions to answer. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a fresh face in January and proved a shrewd acquisition, finding his best form at the Camp Nou and helping Barcelona to a second-place finish in the league. Still, Aubameyang is 34 years old and could be on his last legs.
The biggest elephant in the room for Barcelona is the ongoing financial situation at the club. It's generally held that the club is in a dire financial position, and must generate most of its transfer funds by outgoing player sales of nearly equal value. This will be something for both the club and fans to keep in mind as Barcelona navigate the transfer window, and lower-value transfers could become a priority given the financial position of the club.
The Sporting News is rounding up the key updates — all day, every day — below.
BARCELONA CONFIRMED DEALS: TRANSFERS IN | TRANSFERS OUT | UPDATED BARCELONA SQUAD LIST
BARCELONA ANALYSIS: How Xavi has transformed Dembele | Full Barcelona squad analysis | Is Aubameyang still a UCL-level star?
Latest Barcelona transfer news
Last update: August 23, 19:25 ET / August 24 00:25 BST
Barcelona plotting late move for Hector Bellerin
Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin is a target for Barcelona, reports SPORT.
The club are desperate to sign a new right-back and Bellerin is one player they're seriously considering.
Barca have reportedly told Bellerin to wait for the club to make a late move for him this window in the hope Arsenal let him leave for free.
The 27-year-old is a La Masia graduate but never played first-team football for Barcelona before joining the Gunners in 2011.
Chelsea's Aubameyang pursuit stalling over Barca's asking price
Fabrizio Romano reports that Barcelona are asking around €30 million from Chelsea for Aubameyang - a fee the Blues aren't willing to pay.
While Aubameyang and Chelsea have reportedly agreed terms, Barca look set to play hard ball for the player.
Man United in talks to sign Sergino Dest
According to Ekrem Konur, Barcelona and Manchester United are in discussions over Sergino Dest.
The right-back is an option when it comes to outgoings for Barca, who still need to raise funds in order to register all their new signings.
United are said to be happy to listen to offers for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Brandon Williams and, if the two players are sold, it would leave Diogo Dalot as the only senior right-back option.
De Jong to Man United latest
Frenkie De Jong has been heavily linked with a move away from Barcelona in recent weeks with Manchester United and Chelsea both expressing an interest. Widespread reports suggest De Jong is one of the players on Barca's list to offload in order to improve their financial situation. However, the Dutchman is digging his heels in and wants to stay.
UPDATE (AUG 9): Barca president Joan Laporta claims De Jong does not want to leave Barcelona despite having offers on the table.
"He is a Barca player of great quality and we want him to stay," said the club president. "He has offers, but we want him to stay, and he wants to stay too."
Barcelona still cannot register new players amid financial crisis
According to a host of reports on August 6, Barcelona still cannot register all seven new players signed this summer.
ESPN and others state that more financial manoeuvres are required to get new signees Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Franck Kessie, Jules Kounde, and Andreas Christensen registered as new Barcelona players. Additionally, Ousmane Dembele and Sergi Roberto's new contracts have also yet to be registered and are suffering the same fate.
La Liga have reportedly informed the club that despite its financial manipulation this summer to free up space, more moves are required. This could lead to a host of player departures in the next few days, with the La Liga season starting on August 13. The defensive and attacking player lists are bulging, and the urgency could motivate the club to see Frenkie de Jong finally depart for Manchester United.
UPDATE (August 13): Having activated their latest economic "lever" this week, Barca were able to register Robert Lewandowski, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen and Raphinha for this weekend's La Liga opener. They were also able to register Ousmane Dembele and Sergi Roberto following contract extensions. However, Jules Kounde could not be included on that list and he will not play.
Azpilicueta to stay at Chelsea but Alonso off to Barcelona
According to a host of reports, including the Evening Standard, new Chelsea owner and acting sporting director Todd Boehly flew to Barcelona on July 7 to hold talks with the Spanish club about a number of different possible transfers.
Chief among them seems to be the likely departure of defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso. The Spanish duo has been critical to Chelsea's success over the last number of years, but both have reportedly expressed a desire to leave for Barcelona. The two both have one year left on their Chelsea contracts.
Azpilicueta is 32 years old, while Alonso is 31, and while both are fan favorites, Chelsea could look to get younger defensively this summer as they say goodbye to two loyal servents.
UPDATE (August 18): Alonso has struck a full verbal agreement to join Barcelona but the move won't be completed until the club are able to register Jules Kounde, reports Fabrizio Romano.
UPDATE (August 7): Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that the club has agreed to let Marcos Alonso leave them to join Barcelona.
“Yes, Marcos asked to leave and we agreed to this. It would make no sense to put him on the pitch today," Tuchel said after leaving Alonso out of his matchday squad against Everton.
Both Alonso and Barcelona have been pushing for the move over the summer with an official deal set to be confirmed in coming days.
UPDATE (August 4): While the future of Marcos Alonso remains up in the air, Chelsea confirmed that Cesar Azpilicueta will not be leaving the club this summer, as the 32-year-old signed a new two-year contract with the London side, according to multiple reports.
Azpilicueta, a Spain international, has been with Chelsea since moving from Marseille in 2012, and has developed into a leader for the club, with the ability to play both centrally along the back line and out wide to the right.
UPDATE (August 3): Talks are ongoing between Chelsea and Barcelona for the transfer of full-back Marcos Alonso. Christian Falk of German publication Bild reported that the discussions are ongoing, while Spanish publication Sport reports that Barcelona are "optimistic" about completing the deal.
This saga has dragged on all summer, and it has left Thomas Tuchel in a difficult position following the departure of a number of other Chelsea players.
Depay and Pjanic could make way for new Barcelona additions
With Robert Lewandowski set to arrive in Barcelona to join the club's attacking ranks, there could be a correlated move to thin the squad. Striker Memphis Depay, who performed well in a backup role last season, could be on his way out of the Camp Nou.
According to a report by Spanish publication Sport on July 17, Depay is the subject of a bid from Premier League club Tottenham, with the offer around €17 million (£14.7m / $17.9m). Spurs also have a forward room bursting at the seams, with Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son, and Dejan Kulusevski as the incumbents plus this summer's earlier addition of Richarlison. Would Depay find enough minutes in London? Either way, it's clear that Barcelona has a need to thin the attacking ranks.
UPDATE (August 10): Fabrizio Romano reports that Depay is trying to secure a contract termination from Barcelona with Juventus looking to then sign him. Barca may decide to keep Depay if they lose Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Chelsea.
UPDATE (August 4): According to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are desperate to shed Depay to make room in the squad to register new players, but the Dutchman wants to depart on his own terms. Depay has insisted that his contract be terminated so he can have full control over his eventual destination, and he would like to sign a deal with a top Champions League club before approving his Barcelona termination.
The Catalan club is reportedly less than pleased with these demands, hoping to secure €20 million for his services. The Mundo Deportivo report states that Juventus are interested in Depay to replace Paulo Dybala, while Chelsea have been offered the Dutchman, according to Chelsea beat writer Nazar Kinsella.
UPDATE (August 3): The future of Miralem Pjanic remains up in the air, according to Spanish publication Sport. Barcelona are desperate to make room in the squad to register new signings, but Pjanic impressed in preseason and could potentially stay.
The report from Sport states that if Pjanic stays, he will need to lower his salary which shockingly places him amongst the club's highest earners, but he could look to find a loan elsewhere. If neither comes to pass, the club will terminate his contract and allow him to leave on a free transfer.
UPDATE (July 24): Journalist Helena Edo stated on Twitter that Depay was told he does not have a place in the squad, to which the Dutchman requested his contract be terminated so he can find a new team on his own.
UPDATE (July 23): Sport are now reporting that Newcastle have joined Tottenham in showing interest in Depay. The Dutch forward, however, isn't keen on joining either side and remains hopeful of earning his place at Barcelona this season.
UPDATE (July 21): According to Spanish journalist Gerard Romero on his Twitch channel, as passed on by Sports Mole on July 21, Barcelona have placed Memphis Depay on the transfer list and are looking for an avenue to offload the Dutch striker. Romero has gone so far as to say the Catalan club has efforted to limit Depay's inclusion in promotional materials from the summer preseason tour in the event a move materializes.
Depay played one-plus frustrating seasons at Man United before moving to Lyon, but according to Romero, Depay could interest his former club in a return.
Other Barcelona transfer rumors
| Date | Player | Publication | News |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 23 | Lionel Messi | ESPN | Barcelona president Joan Laporta said he hopes the "Leo Messi story with Barcelona is not over yet." |
| June 15 | Goncalo Inacio | A Bola | Barcelona are interested in signing the 20-year-old Sporting defender. Man United are also in the mix. |
| June 14 | Angel Di Maria | Sport | The Argentine was reportedly a backup option should the deal for Raphinha fall through, but he signed for Juventus on a free transfer instead. |
| June 9 | Bernardo Silva | Fabrizio Romano, The Mirror | A meeting between agent Jorge Mendes and Barcelona boss Xavi included discussions over a possible move for the Man City midfielder, but it would take a whopping £80 million. |
| June 9 | Ilkay Gundogan | Bild | The Spanish side is "monitoring" Gundogan, who is out of contract at Man City next summer. |
| June 7 | Gonzalo Moreno | Diario Sport | A report states that the Villarreal striker is a backup option should the Lewandowski move fail, but his €100 million release clause looms. |
| June 6 | Ruben Neves | Sport (via SportWitness) | Agent Jorge Mendes is working on a deal to get Neves to Barcelona, with Wolves valuing the midfielder at €50 million. |
Barcelona Transfers: Summer 2022 transfer window
Players In:
| Date | Player | Position | Age | Club | Transfer/Loan Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 4, 2022 | Andreas Christensen | CB | 26 | Chelsea | Free transfer |
| July 4, 2022 | Franck Kessie | CM | 25 | AC Milan | Free transfer |
| July 15, 2022 | Raphinha | RW | 25 | Leeds United | €60.7m (£52.5m / $63.8m) |
| July 20, 2022 | Robert Lewandowski | ST | 33 | Bayern Munich | €45 million (£38m/$48m) |
| July 28, 2022 | Jules Kounde | CB | 23 | Sevilla | €50m (£41.9m/$50.8m) |
Lewandowski confirmed as a Barcelona player
After protracted negotiations, Barcelona have finally signed Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich as part of a deal worth an initial €45 million. The prolific Polish striker arrives at 33 years old on the heels of a spectacular Bundesliga career.
The words of Robert Lewandowski: pic.twitter.com/nx2UCULhiQ
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 18, 2022
Barcelona complete deal for Raphinha
After battling Chelsea for his signature, Barcelona completed a deal for Leeds winger Raphinha, with the Brazilian arriving for a reported fee of over €60 million, according to ESPN and others.
Raphinha's first touches with @JoanLaportaFCB ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/fSDKmvA28h
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 15, 2022
Barcelona announce signing of Franck Kessie
Barcelona announced the signing of Franck Kessie on a free transfer on July 4. The midfielder, who left AC Milan when his contract expired, has signed a four-year deal at Camp Nou. His contract contains a buyout clause of €500 million (£430m/$523m).
Franck Kessie is ...
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 4, 2022
The Total Midfielder. pic.twitter.com/JRVOQd3TUv
Christensen follows Kessie to Camp Nou
Fresh from the announcement of Franck Kessie's signing, Barcelona also completed a deal to bring in Andreas Christensen on July 4. The centre-back signed a four-year deal that, like Kessie's, contains a release clause of €500 million (£430m/$523m). He joins on a free transfer after leaving Chelsea.
Welcome to Barcelona, Andreas Christensen! pic.twitter.com/mHy0sO9FvK
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 4, 2022
Kounde snubs Chelsea for Barcelona
Chelsea thought they had at last beaten Barca to the signing of a key target, but Jules Kounde instead accepted the offer from Camp Nou and a fee was agreed between the Catalans and Sevilla.
Players Out:
| Date | Player | Position | Age | Club | Transfer/Loan Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30 | Luuk de Jong | ST | 30 | Sevilla | Return of loan |
| June 30 | Dani Alves | RB | 39 | — | Expiration of contract |
| Aug. 4 | Riqui Puig | CM | 22 | LA Galaxy | Free transfer |
| Aug. 7 | Neto | GK | 33 | Bournemouth | Free transfer |
| Aug. 13 | Nico Gonzalez | CM | 20 | Valencia | Loan |
| Aug. 15 | Alex Collado | MF | 23 | Elche | Loan |
Dani Alves leaves Barcelona
The return of Dani Alves to Barcelona did not last long. Alves confirmed his departure on Instagram on June 15, saying: "I would like to thank all the staff for the opportunity they gave me to return to this club and to be able to wear that wonderful shirt again. You don't know how happy I am.
In all, Alves made 407 appearances for Barcelona, winning six La Liga titles.
Dani Alves wanted to continue at Barcelona, he was open to discuss a short-term deal to prepare himself for the World Cup. But the club has decided against this possibility. ⛔️🇧🇷 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2022
Dani Alves will leave Barça on a free transfer in the coming days. It's over.
Neto departs for Bournemouth
Barcelona goalkeeper Neto has signed with Premier League club Bournemouth, both clubs announced on August 7. The 33-year-old has struggled for regular game time at Camp Nou and Barca have needed to free up squad space.
The transfer is technically a free, with Barcelona confirming the termination of his contract with the Spanish club prior to the move. "My dream has always been to be here in the Premier League," he said upon his arrival at the English club.
Barcelona squad 2021-22
Below is the updated Barcelona first-team roster. New additions during the summer 2022 window are noted in bold:
Goalkeepers (3): Inaki Pena, Arnau Tenas, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Neto.
Defenders (10): Jordi Alba (LB), Ronald Araujo (CB), Alex Balde (LB), Sergino Dest (RB), Eric Garcia (CB), Clement Lenglet (CB), Oscar Mingueza (CB), Gerard Pique (CB), Samuel Umtiti (CB), Jules Kounde (CB), Dani Alves (RB).
Midfielders (6): Sergio Busquets (DM), Frenkie de Jong (CM), Pedri (CM), Gavi (CM), Nico Gonzalez (CM), Sergi Roberto (CM), Riqui Puig (CM).
Forwards (9): Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (CF), Martin Braithwaite (CF), Ousmane Dembele (RW), Memphis Depay (CF), Ansu Fati (LW), Ferran Torres (RW), Raphinha (RW), Robert Lewandowski (CF), Luuk de Jong (ST).
CB = center back; LB = left back; RB = right back; CM = central midfielder; CAM = attacking midfielder; CF = center forward; LW = left wing; RW = right wing
The current Barcelona projected first-choice starting lineup, when completely healthy, currently looks like:
Barcelona projected starting XI (4-3-3, left to right): Ter Stegen (GK) — Alba, Pique, Araujo, Alves — F. de Jong, Busquets, Pedri — Torres, Lewandowski, Dembele.