Barcelona Draw Up 7-Man Shortlist Ahead of Crucial Summer Transfer Window

?Barcelona have drawn up a seven-man shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window, which includes the likes of Lautaro Martínez, Tanguy Ndombele and Luiz Felipe.

The club are expected to see quite a few changes to their first-team squad ahead of the 2020/21 season, with a handful of Barça’s older players expected to be moved on to give the team a much-needed facelift.

As part of Barcelona’s plans this summer, Mundo Deportivo reports the club have created a list of candidates to tick a few different boxes once the transfer window opens.

Lautaro Martinez:Jean-Clair Todibo

It’s no surprise that Inter striker Martínez is at the top of their list. The Argentina international has been tracked by Barcelona since he broke through at his former side Racing Club and the 22-year-old is seen as the only long-term replacement for Luis Suárez.

Mundo Deportivo’s report suggests Martínez is the only attacking player who is on Barcelona’s shortlist, but they’ve also been tracking three Dutch wonderkids as part of an ‘Oranje operation’ which appears to be going on behind the scenes.

Elsewhere on the pitch, either Tottenham Hotspur outcast Ndombele or Napoli’s Fabián Ruiz will be targets for Barcelona’s midfield. Both players have only recently joined their respective clubs, but they’re deemed to be realistic targets in the upcoming window.

Fabian Ruiz

In defence, things get a little more complicated. MD reports Barcelona have four players they’re looking at, but these moves could rely heavily on the future of Samuel Umtiti, who has been linked with moves to the Premier League, Serie A and Ligue 1.

Barça are also conscious of the fact Gerard Piqué isn’t getting any younger, which leaves just Clément Lenglet – and Jean-Clair Todibo, should Schalke 04 reject their option to buy – as long-term options at centre-back.

As well as Lazio’s Felipe, Barcelona are also keeping tabs on Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte, RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano and Sevilla defender Diego Carlos, although moves for all four would be incredibly unlikely.

Barcelona have already completed three transfers too. Spanish wonderkid Pedri will join the club in a £4.5m deal from Las Palmas, while Matheus Fernandes – currently on loan at Real Valladolid – will join from Palmeiras for just over £6m.

The club’s most high-profile signing before the end of the season will be that of Francisco Trincão, who will arrive from Portuguese side SC Braga for almost £28m.


For more from Ben Carter, follow him on Twitter!

Let’