Barcelona have been linked with moves for four players who will be out of contract at the end of the summer, as they seek to be careful with their finances once again.
It is no secret that the Spanish giants have suffered greatly in the aftermath of Covid pandemic, and from some questionable decisions in the transfer market, and have had to keep a close eye on their pockets in recent years.
The most recent transfer window was a relatively quiet one, but the club did still bring Spain Euro 2024 winner Dani Olmo in from RB Leipzig, and kept hold of Lamine Yamal, despite a huge bid from Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona were able to recoup fees for players such as Marc Guiu and Julian Araujo, while also getting Ilkay Gundogan's wages off the bill, but despite almost breaking even, it appears as though the penny-pinching may continue.
That has not had much of an effect on new manager Hansi Flick, though, as he has Barca top of La Liga after nine matches.
© Imago
Apart from a blip away to Osasuna, Barcelona have won all of their other eight matches so far, and sit three points clear of Real Madrid, ahead of the home clash with Sevilla this weekend.
Barca to investigate the free market?
However, despite making a very impressive start, Barcelona are seemingly not in the mood to stand still, as they reportedly already have their eyes on improving the squad for next season.
The Daily Mail claim that Barcelona will look to approach Alphonso Davies, Reinildo, Jonathan Tah and Jonathan David once they are eligible to open talks with the players on January 1.
All four are out of contract at the end the season, and appear unlikely to sign new contracts at their respective clubs, promising to be attractive options to any potential suitors.
Injuries have highlighted certain flaws in the Barca squad, especially at the back, where Flick has been forced to use players out of position, and put huge amounts of trust in teenagers such as Pau Cubarsi.
© Imago
What could the free quartet offer Barca?
Reinildo is a player that will be familiar to Barca, considering he has been playing for fellow La Liga heavyweights Atletico Madrid since 2022, and he would offer versatility at the back, being capable both as a left-back and in the centre.
Bayer Leverkusen defender Tah is a more renowned name across Europe, especially after helping his club to an unbeaten title in Germany last season, and at 28, he already has a decade of top-flight and European experience under his belt.
Signing Davies from Bayern Munich would be the glamorous option, and one that would also please the Culers, considering Real Madrid have been linked with the Canadian for many years.
However, one of the biggest statement signings would be if they could get a deal over the line to sign Davies's Canadian compatriot David from Lille.
David netted the penalty that sunk Real Madrid in the Champions League shortly before the international break, and the 24-year-old has hit 26 goals in both of his last two seasons, as well as eight already this time around in just 13 games.
Even though he has hit five goals in his last two club games, Robert Lewandowski will turn 37 at the start of next season, and the club are expected to start planning for the future in that department as soon as possible.
Andrew Delaney
