There’s still three weeks to go before the summer transfer window officially opens, but that hasn’t stopped all of the major European clubs either announcing deals or positioning themselves to do so as soon as it hits midnight on June 30.
Barcelona have already secured Frenkie De Jong from Ajax, and after a string of world class performances since the announcement was made, it already looks like the Catalans are getting a bargain, and a player who is ready made for their midfield.
He won’t be the only new player to ply his trade at the Camp Nou next season, however, so let’s take a look at four more who are being rumoured to be wearing Blaugrana in 2019/20.Gianluigi Buffon
The news that Paris Saint-Germain will not extend Gianluigi Buffon‘s one-year contract came as a surprise.
Although it’s true that he’s not the keeper he once was, at 41 years of age, he isn’t that bad either.
With Jasper Cillessen making it clear that he sees his future away from the Camp Nou, Barcelona are on the lookout for a replacement who, importantly, won’t mind playing second fiddle for the most part.
Given that his experience will be of huge value to the Blaugrana, Buffon could be ready made to slip into the role, seeing out his playing days there.
Who knows, he may even finally win a longed for Champions League before hanging up his gloves.
Antoine Griezmann
Will he, won’t he. The potential signing of Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid is turning into another soap opera.
The Frenchman had made it perfectly clear earlier in the summer that he was leaving the Rojiblancos, with well placed sources suggesting that he’d already agreed a deal with Barcelona.
This despite turning them down a year ago, and announcing it with an ill-advised ‘La Decision’ video.
With other players now coming onto the market who, perhaps, offer better value for money, a deal for the World Cup winner seems a long way off at this stage.
Rodrigo Moreno
After his match-winning heroics in the Copa del Rey final, cryptically Rodrigo Moreno hasn’t confirmed or denied any interest from Barcelona.
He’s long been Valencia’s go-to front man, and his energetic performances and eye for goal have also seen regular Spain call-ups of late.
Moving to Barcelona would be a step up for him, but he’s shown often enough that he’s worthy of such a transfer.
He would also be a more natural fit in Barca’s front line than Griezmann, who plays in many of the same areas of the pitch as Lionel Messi.
Watch this space.
Matthijs De Ligt
The youngster will be one of the signings of the window, once he makes up his mind where that will be.
Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, said weeks ago that he knew where De Ligt‘s next destination would be, suggesting that, after securing Ajax colleague, De Jong, his compatriot would follow suit at the appropriate time.
PSG appear to have put a spanner in the works as the players agent is keen to align his client with the club that will pay him the most in agency fees.
Although he’s already a leader of men on the pitch, despite being just 19 years of age, does De Ligt have the mental strength to battle Mino Raiola and force him to let him sign for the Catalans?
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