Five players Barcelona could sign for free in the summer

From celebrating an iconic double to suffering a trophyless campaign, Barcelona have been left chasing the highs of last season.

The Catalan giants’ inability to splurge on players in the previous transfer window significantly hampered their efforts to strengthen the squad, and this trend is likely to hold sway once more.

After all, coach Xavi Hernandez’s potential exit largely stems from the fact that he shed light on the club’s fickle financial conditions publicly.

As such, Barcelona will be obligated to devise creative methods to acquire reinforcements without jeopardizing the club’s financial health.

And a formula Joan Laporta’s board has consistently opted for is the utilization of free agents.

Here are five free agents Barcelona could sign in the upcoming summer transfer window.

1. Guido Rodriguez

The Argentine World Cup winner had entered Barcelona’s crosshairs last summer, but a move failed to transpire owing to the Catalans’ economic woes.

However, 2024 offers Barça the golden opportunity to recruit Rodriguez free of charge, with the Betis man’s contract expiring this summer.

Rodriguez would instantly solve one of Barcelona’s major concerns: a lack of depth in the defensive midfield position.

In fact, the Argentine is the only La Liga midfielder to rank in the 90+ percentile for both defensive actions and duel win rate.

Barcelona intend to sign him as a replacement for Oriol Romeu and deem him a solid option to beef up the ranks rather than a starting midfielder.

2. Adrien Rabiot

A familiar name in the Catalan newspapers, the possibility of Adrien Rabiot arriving this summer is once again being entertained as he nears the end of his contract.

The French midfielder, currently at Juventus, offers versatility, security in possession, and, above all, experience.

With Rabiot’s acquisition, Barcelona could increase competition in the interior midfield positions while also having a dependable presence in the double pivot.

Although the Frenchman is not the most creative or defensively robust player, his box-to-box and physical profile is not abundantly available at Barcelona.

Moreover, this season, for Juventus, Rabiot has notched a decent combined total of eight goals and assists.

3. Wilfred Ndidi

Being the recently crowned EFL Championship winner with Leicester, Wilfred Ndidi has several clubs eyeing his situation with interest.

With a physical profile on the agenda to fortify the midfield, he could provide the defensive solidity Barcelona desperately need​.

Admittedly, Ndidi has evolved into more of a box-to-box profile with contributions higher up the pitch.

The 27-year-old is renowned for his tackling and interception qualities and boasts experience in the physically taxing Premier League.

Considering he is also the youngest player on this list, Barcelona could potentially profit from him in the future too, as they did with Franck Kessie.

4. Anthony Martial

Throwing the focus in the offensive department, Barcelona have only declared Lamine Yamal untouchable and would be open to hearing offers for most of their forwards.

With revelations regarding Vitor Roque’s discontent surfacing, an additional option in the centre-forward position may become a priority. This is where Antony Martial could slot in.

Martial has struggled to make Manchester United’s squad list as of late and is all set to depart on a free transfer.

In the event Roque hits the exit door, he can prove to be valuable with his experience both as a center forward and on the flanks.

The Frenchman has struggled with several spells of inconsistency with the Red Devils, and a fresh start in Catalonia may be what the 28-year-old is looking for to revive his career.

5. Thiago Alcantara

Barcelona have their eyes on several former academy graduates, with Xavi Simons and Dani Olmo two players the club highly appreciates.

But the return of the summer transfer window brings forth the possibility of a reunion with another former academy star: Thiago Alcantara.

Liverpool have already made it official that the Spaniard will leave as a free agent at the end of the season, giving Barcelona the opportunity to swoop in and secure his services.

While the 33-year-old is not getting any younger and suffers from recurring injury lapses, if Barcelona aims to bank on an experienced figure in an otherwise young midfield, Thiago could fit like a glove.

In fact, Thiago’s understanding of the club’s culture and inner workings could come in handy, too.