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It’s a crazy time to be a football manager, particularly at Barcelona in recent months. But fans have been celebrating the appointment of Xavi as the club’s new boss.
It’s now impossible to guess what will happen in football management. There have already been five changes in the dugout in the Premier League alone this season. That is one more than the whole of last season.
Elsewhere in Europe, Barca are one club to have suffered a long list of challenges on and off the pitch. The latest development saw Ronald Koeman being sacked with the club sitting ninth in La Liga.
𝑀𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟 X6VI pic.twitter.com/r7Z4Y4fB0L
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 6, 2021
Now former midfielder Xavi has a difficult job on his hands. Fortunately, he has a handful of young superstars ready to turn things around. However, even Barcelona need a few experienced players in the squad.
Here are five big-name Barcelona transfer targets:
Edinson Cavani
It’s no surprise that Barcelona need some firepower going forward. Manchester United striker Cavani is one of three Premier League stars identified by Xavi, according to Marca. The Uruguayan has failed to earn a regular spot under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Where once Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar occupied a deadly front three, the burden now falls on the likes of Luuk de Jong, Martin Braithwaite and Memphis Depay. Cavani would undoubtedly provide the attacking lineup with some much-needed class.
Raheem Sterling
Another Manchester man, Sterling has long been admired by the powers that be at Barcelona. A transfer has never come to fruition, but once again the departure of Messi has created a gap going forward.
Like the Argentine, Sterling has been deployed in several positions in the final third. The City attacker has been used sparingly by Pep Guardiola this season. And at just 26 years old, a switch to Spain could undoubtedly reignite Sterling’s career.
Timo Werner
The last of three Premier League forwards linked with a move to La Liga. The Chelsea striker has failed to reach the heights expected of him in blue. And his confidence will have taken a huge knock after the arrival of Romelu Lukaku.
As shown for his national team, Werner evidently has plenty of ability. His finishing and intelligent running has been on show for many seasons now. Perhaps Xavi could be the man to unlock the German’s full potential.
Dani Alves
According to UOL, the legendary Barcelona right-back is in talks with the club about a potential return. The Brazilian left Sao Paulo in September, and could be available in January on a free transfer.
At 38 years old, Alves is still chasing a spot with his national team at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. It may be a risk to sign him, but such experience could be key to developing youngsters at the club.
Lionel Messi
Another potential major coup for new boss Xavi. And another potential monumental return of a club legend. Messi left the club just three months ago. But he would, of course, be welcomed back with open arms.
He is one transfer that Barcelona could explore, as reported by Marca. The Argentine’s struggles at PSG have been broadcast all over the world. For whatever reason, Messi has failed to replicate his Barcelona success in Paris.
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