Barcelona is looking for bargains on the market: Messi, Gundogan...

If Barcelona wants to be competitive in Europe again, it needs to make another leap in the quality of its squad. Everyone at the club knows this. Xavi Hernandez has made it clear more than once this season that this was not enough, although a certain competitive level was already beginning to be seen. They are also aware in the offices, where they know what is needed and how to get it.

In the past, Barcelona's sporting management has shown that it is capable of making high-level signings at competitive prices. It has taken the current economic situation for the Catalan club to finally be able to sign without inflating prices. Recent experiences such as that of Philippe Coutinho are still very fresh in Barcelona's memory.

With the current economic and wage bill problems, Jordi Cruyff and Mateu Alemany have had to use their expertise and imagination to resolve Xavi's demands for his squad. Last season they were able to bring in players who arrived with their freedom under their arms. The best performer so far has been Andreas Christensen, but Franck Kessie, Marcos Alonso and Hector Bellerin also arrived.

Looking ahead to next season, the club is once again sweeping the market in search of bargains - players who can cover positions with guarantees and, if possible, who arrive without the club having to pay a transfer for them. It is the most realistic way to complete the squad now that they have limited the room for maneuver with the levers. These are some of the most coveted players on the market who will be free at the end of June.

Lionel Messi

It is no less important for being obvious. The Argentine ends his contract with Paris Saint-Germain. As of today, he is reluctant to renew, which fuels the hopes of Barcelona fans. With no transfer fee, everything would be focused on seeing how the Catalans could cover his salary. And that, assuming that Messi would return to Barcelona charging much less than he did in his previous stage. Otherwise, it is impossible.

Marcus Thuram

Another name that has been linked to Barcelona before. He ends his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach this summer. There are some other teams interested in the French international, such as Inter, but everything points to the fact that Barcelona could have already done the job a couple of months ago. Alemany and Cruyff are known to be very keen when it comes to this kind of deal.

Evan Ndicka

Another French defender who has Europe on his toes. The neighboring country is an inexhaustible source of players of this profile. At 23 years of age, he has still not renewed his contract with Eintracht Frankfurt. Barcelona is following him closely, but there are others too.

Ilkay Gundogan

A long-time Barcelona fan, he finishes his contract with Manchester City this summer. He is 32 years old, but that means less competition to sign him. The idea is that, for the midfield, only players who really represent a significant leap in quality arrive. He is one.

Alejandro Grimaldo

The academy product's return to the club is an option. Aged 27, he finishes his contract with Benfica and is an interesting alternative to reinforce the left-back position. Especially if the club manages to close the departure of Jordi Alba, although the player from L'Hospitalet has said on more than one occasion that his desire is to fulfill his contract. Grimaldo wants to make a leap in quality in his career and Barcelona is the best possible opportunity.

Inigo Martinez

The Athletic Club defender is another who dreams of playing for Barcelona. It has been very close to him on several occasions in the past, but it seems that this time is the one that has more chances to happen. At 31 years of age, he is reluctant to renew with Athletic, which is an indication that he has something in his sights.

Youri Tielemans

The player has been on Barcelona's radar for some time, but has resisted in the past. So much so, that the club believes that he must already have something closed with another side. In any case, he is being closely followed. He is considered a good option for the defensive midfield position, which could be vacated if Sergio Busquets finally decides to leave.