FC Barcelona has set their sights on a total of five signings for the upcoming 2023/2024 season, with the recent announcement of Ilkay Gundogan’s transfer marking the first of their planned acquisitions, according to SPORT.
The Catalan club revealed the signing of the former Manchester City captain on Monday, with the German international agreeing to a three-year contract that includes a staggering €400 million ($435 million) release clause.
While Gundogan is the first official signing for the first team this summer, Athletic Club defender Inigo Martinez had already reached an agreement to join Barcelona some time ago, while Gundogan was still considering an extension with City or a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
Martinez, who, like Gundogan, will soon be a free agent, is expected to be the next signing announced by president Joan Laporta and the board.
Gundogan is likely to take up a more attacking role similar to that of Pedri, and it is well known that manager Xavi Hernandez is in search of a defensive “pivot” to eventually replace the outgoing skipper Sergio Busquets.
Currently, Barcelona is attempting to secure a player from the losing side of the Champions League final, which Gundogan emerged victorious in with Manchester City – Marcelo Brozovic.
According to SPORT, the club has submitted an offer of around €15 million ($16.3 million) to Inter Milan for the Croatian midfielder, but Brozovic may be enticed by a proposal that offers double the amount in terms of yearly salary from Al-Nassr.
Additionally, Barcelona aims to incorporate Vitor Roque, an 18-year-old Brazilian striker from Athletico Paranaense, for whom they have reportedly reached an “agreement in principle” worth €35 million ($38 million) plus €10 million ($11 million) in add-ons, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. This potential signing would bring the total to four.
Furthermore, Barcelona is keen on securing a right back to address the shortage of options in that position. While Jules Kounde temporarily filled the role during the victorious 2022/2023 La Liga season, the Frenchman’s preference is to play at center back and challenge the formidable partnership of Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo.
With these planned signings, Barcelona aims to strengthen their squad and improve their performance in the Champions League, after consecutive campaigns in which they failed to progress beyond the group stage.
