Barcelona’s financial troubles are not stopping them from signing new players. The Blaugrana have already begun rebuilding towards next season with three new stars set to arrive on free transfer deals.
Joan Laporta spoke of major changes in an interview this week. The Barcelona president warned those inside the club of an impending facelift after his team was eliminated from the La Liga title race. He left some room for ambiguity as he stopped short of naming names whose future would be decided in the coming days. However, one would imagine several first-team players goin on the chopping block, along with head coach Ronald Koeman.
There is some movement on the managerial front, albeit inconclusive. The Dutchman’s future remains up in the air. However, that is not the case when it comes to the playing squad. The club has already made its approach to secure deals for three players. All of them are expected to arrive at Camp Nou without a penny spent on transfer fees.
Several media outlets reported on May 21 that Barcelona have agreed to sign free agent Sergio Aguero on a two-year deal. The Man City striker is a close friend of Lionel Messi. Aguero is set to become a free agent on July 1, 2021, after City decided against renewing his contract any further.
Aguero has previous experience playing in Spain, given that he came through at Atletico Madrid. The forward played for the Rojiblancos for five years – from 2006 till 2011 – before moving to City. Aguero spent the next decade in England, helping Manchester City win five league titles. He leaves the club as their all-time top scorer and the fifth-highest scorer in league history. The Argentine is expected to sign a deal until 2023 with Barcelona to be reunited with Messi.
Also coming in from Manchester City is centre-back Eric Garcia. The youngster’s situation is similar to the one involving Aguero, as in, his contract is set to expire this year. The club and the player could not agree upon terms to keep him at the Etihad, and he will leave on July 1 as well. Barca’s interest in Garcia has been widely reported over the past year. The club is expected to announce his capture once the season is over.
Garcia came through Barcelona’s infamous La Masia academy before leaving for Manchester City. He spent a year in City’s academy before being called up to the senior team. Garcia was a key player for the Citizens during the 2019/20 season when an injury crisis struck the team. He has made 35 appearances for the English side so far in his career and has played seven times for his country.
Finally, Barcelona are also closing in on signing former Manchester United player Memphis Depay. The Dutchman is set to leave Lyon on contract expiration at the end of this season after five years with the club. The 27-year-old moved to the French club in 2017 and has since made over 150 appearances for them. He scored 75 times during this period and led his team to the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League semi-final stage. Barcelona are the favorites to sign him upon contract expiry, although other clubs remain interested.
