The signings that Barcelona needs to compete for everything in 2026

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La Liga

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Barcelona Athletic Club

16/08/26 17:00:00

1.42 4.75 6.25

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Barcelona faces a decisive transfer market to consolidate a project capable of competing for all titles in the 2026/2027 season. After reinforcing several positions in recent markets, the Blaugrana still have some structural shortcomings to address if they want to compete on equal terms with the European powerhouses in the Champions League. The sports management is working with a broader economic margin than in previous campaigns, although the priorities are well defined.

The team needs to increase the competitive level in various key positions. The plan involves incorporating a top-level striker to replace the departure of Robert Lewandowski, reinforcing the defense with a reliable center-back, adding a right-back who can alternate with Jules Koundé, and definitively sealing the arrival of a specialist for the left flank, where João Cancelo reappears as a very attractive option.

If Barcelona manages to complete these four operations, the squad would significantly improve and have much greater depth to face a demanding schedule in LaLiga, the Champions League, and other competitions.

Julián Álvarez, Barcelona's main target for the attack

Barcelona's first major need lies in the number nine position. With Robert Lewandowski's departure, the Blaugrana have been forced to reinforce the forward line with a player who can step up in Barcelona's aspirations. In this scenario, Julián Álvarez emerges as the ideal candidate. The Argentine international, 26 years old, possesses all the qualities the Catalan club is looking for: mobility, pressure after loss, associative capacity, and the ability to make a difference both as a center forward and dropping back.

However, his signing would require a significant investment. The forward has a long-term contract with Atlético de Madrid, and his market value exceeds 100 million euros, so any negotiation would depend on Barcelona's financial capacity and Atlético's willingness to negotiate, as his release clause is set at 500 million euros.

A top-class center-back to lead the defense

Another priority is to strengthen the defensive line with a center-back capable of taking on the starting role from day one. Although Pau Cubarsí represents the present and future of the club, the sports management understands that the defense needs an experienced profile to provide leadership and consistency.

One of the names that fits this profile well is Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan. The 27-year-old Italian international has established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe thanks to his excellent ball distribution, tactical intelligence, and ability to defend open spaces.

His addition would be a significant quality boost for Barcelona. Bastoni also brings considerable elite experience and would form a top-level partnership with Cubarsí in the coming years.

The full-backs, an unfinished business

The squad also needs to bring in a right-back to increase competition with Jules Koundé. The French international has performed at a high level in that position, especially two seasons ago, but the high number of matches requires a reliable alternative to manage efforts throughout the season.

Barcelona has been scouting various profiles for that position for some time. The intention is not only to find a backup but to add a player capable of competing for a starting spot and offering tactical options depending on the opponent.

This reinforcement would also allow Koundé to move back to the center of defense in certain matches, further expanding the coaching staff's options to manage the squad.

The final major priority concerns the left flank. Barcelona aims to definitively secure the signing of João Cancelo, a player who already knows the club well and whose versatility is a significant asset for any coach.

The Portuguese international can operate on both the right and left, although the plan is to primarily use him as competition for Alejandro Balde. The young academy player will remain an important piece, but the schedule requires a top-level alternative.

In addition to reinforcing the left-back position, Cancelo would bring experience, leadership, and offensive resources to a team looking to consistently create advantages from the flanks. His ability to also move inside aligns well with the playing style the Catalan team aims to develop.

Barcelona needs a deeper squad

The season has shown that the quality of the starting eleven alone is not always sufficient to compete for all objectives. Injuries, suspensions, and the accumulation of matches end up making a difference in crucial moments of the season.

For this reason, Barcelona needs to enhance the competitive level of its squad with strategic additions. The arrival of Julián Álvarez would offer a reliable number nine for Hansi Flick, while a center-back of Bastoni's caliber would raise the team's defensive level.

In addition, adding a right-back to compete with Koundé and definitively incorporating Cancelo to strengthen the left side would provide Barcelona with a much more balanced squad, equipped with sufficient arguments to once again compete for all titles in the 2026/2027 season.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los fichajes que necesita el Barcelona para competir por todo en 2026