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While the English Premier League started on June 14 (read our preview here), the transfer window opens on July 1 across the rest of Europe and clubs have been planning their business after a long season interrupted by the 2022 World Cup in November and December.
ESPN writers have everything you need to know about the top teams’ hopes and delve into deals that might be in the cards. Who will come in? Who will depart?
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
BARCELONA
Budget? Barca start with a budget of zero and will only be able to spend 40% of any savings they make through reducing the wage bill or raising in transfer fees. LaLiga’s updated financial fair play regulations mean there can be no palancas — selling off more club assets to generate spending room — pulled this summer.
What does the team need? Xavi Hernandez’s team are coming off the back of a first league title since 2019 but the coach has been clear improvements are needed if they are to compete in the Champions League. A replacement for midfielder Sergio Busquets has been deemed essential by Xavi, who also wants to add creativity in midfield. A right-back, an understudy to Robert Lewandowski up front and, depending on outgoings, a left winger are all on Barca’s wishlist, too.
Who are the major targets? Both Xavi’s preferred options to replace Busquets — Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich — appear unattainable within Barca’s budget. Other alternatives do not convince everyone at the club, with president Joan Laporta and sporting directors Mateu Alemany and Deco also involved in the recruitment process.
Ilkay Gundogan will join once his Manchester City contract expires this month and should add goals from midfield, with Villarreal’s Alex Baena also being tracked, among others.
At €40m, Brazilian youngster Vitor Roque is the player lined up to play backup — and eventually replace — Lewandowski, while Barca also have an option of…
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