Barcelona keep making headlines in the transfer market, despite their many self-proclaimed financial troubles. The 2023 La Liga champions, under manager Xavi Hernandez, are continuing to impress on the pitch and are currently at the top of the La Liga table. This is despite the club spending next to nothing on reinforcements in the summer.
However, they are continuously planning for the future, just like any other big club. They have many targets that they hope to make a move for in the next summer transfer window. And now the Blaugrana have prioritized one certain midfielder to help bolster their ranks.
Bernardo Silva emerges as Barcelona’s top transfer priority for 2024
Bernardo Silva is the player that Barcelona are targeting so strongly for the 2024 summer transfer window. The Portuguese was actually linked with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain this summer, and he desperately wanted to leave Manchester City. But due to Barcelona’s financial situation and Pep Guardiola’s convincing, Bernardo signed a new contract until 2026.
But many sources, including Fabrizio Romano, have reported that Bernardo has a secret release clause in his contract. The clause can be activated in 2024 and is said to be worth £50 million. Considering the abilities and success of the player, this is a very good price for the player.
Spanish media El Chiringuito further claim that the clause is actually worth £43.4 million and that Barcelona has made the player their top transfer target next summer. The Catalans will have to raise up significant funds in order to sign the Portuguese star. Xavi has long considered him a very necessary transfer. Currently, the team is without Pedri and Frenkie De Jong, which proves they need to add more squad depth.
Barcelona will also have competition from other clubs, perhaps from PSG, as the player is one of the best midfielders in current times. So they will have to convince the player of their project.
Barcelona bolstered defense with Cancelo
Barcelona have already snatched another Portuguese star away from Pep Guardiola and that is Joao Cancelo. After Bayern refused to buy him, and Manchester City ready to let him leave due to attitude problems, the Catalans emerged to take him.
With Barcelona not having the finances to buy him, they opted for a season long loan deal, which was only finished on deadline day. Joao’s impact was instant at the club. Already he has become a very valuable member of the team, providing another dimension to Barcelona’s right hand side.
Joao has so far played 5 games, where he has been crucial with 2 goals and an assist. One of his goals was the winning goal against Celta Vigo which propelled Barcelona on top of the La Liga table. The La Liga champions have no buy option for him, so they will have to negotiate his permanent transfer at the end of the season, if they wish so.
For now, Barcelona will be preparing for their next game against Sevilla on Saturday, to further extend their lead at the top of the table.
