Over the last couple of seasons, and certainly since the departure of arguably the best footballer in the world, Lionel Messi, Barcelona have been playing in the shadows of current La Liga champions Real Madrid.
After Los Blancos defeated Espanyol 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu back on 30 April, with two goals from Rodrygo and strikes from Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema, it confirmed Real's 35th Spanish title with three games to spare. At the season end, Barca finished runners up, but 13 points adrift.
Barcelona saw themselves falter at the group stages of the Champions League, which resulted in them playing Europa League football for the first time in 17 years, when Frank Rijkaard was in the dugout in 2004.
It has not all been lacklustre, however, and there have been glimpses of Barca starting to compete again, for instance, when they put four past Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in March.
To get back to their best, there needs to be a number of ins and outs to reshape the squad.
Back in November, Barca moved swiftly to sign experienced right-back Dani Alves, who will leave the club for a second time after his contract ended at the end of the season.
The 39-year-old rejoined Barca five years after he left the Camp Nou for Juventus. However, things have not worked and manager Xavi has said he can leave and find a new club. In all, Alves made 407 appearances for the Catalan side, winning six La Liga titles.
Former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres followed in a deal worth an initial €55 million plus a further €10m in add-ons. The Spain forward joined the Catalans on a five-year deal until 2027 and the club set his buyout clause at €1 billion.
Ex-La Masia graduate Adama Traore was brought in from Wolves on loan, but the move has not gone as planned and he is expected to return to his parent club.
It was the signing in February, though, that got all fans talking. Barca bolstered their ranks, bringing in former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a free transfer, and the Gabon forward has proven his critics wrong.
Barcelona player ratings for 2021/22 season
-
BARCELONA RATINGS: GOALKEEPER: Marc-Andre ter Stegen 7 - The German, 30, played in 35 of Barça’s 38 league games and, after doing the same for the last couple of terms, is the undisputed number one at the club he’s been at since 2014. A rare mainstay in a much-changed side, but it was still a shock to see him floundering as his compatriots from Eintracht Frankfurt knocked Barça out of the Europa League at Camp Nou. EPA -
DEFENDERS: Sergino Dest 5 - The American, 21, started 17 games last season – down on last term. Ten of those starts were in Barça’s first 12 fraught league games. Injuries, the arrival of Xavi and the return of Dani Alves limited his performances in the second half of the season. He’s talented and young enough to improve a lot – especially his crossing and defending. He’ll need to if he’s to make the right-back position his own. Getty Images -
Gerard Pique 7 - He’s 35 and remains as important to Barcelona as he ever was, in part because he’s a mainstay in a central defence which has seen a lot of changes around him. He’s the one who drives the team, who pushes most for equalisers, who the fans listen to for an alternative view to the one his employers put out. He’s upped that since Messi left. Reuters -
Ronald Araujo 8 - Superb season for the Uruguayan, 23, who has become a cult hero among fans who sing his name every game. He’s a hard, strong central defender who started 25 league games. Excellent in the air, at tackling and a threat when he goes forward, there was delight when he recently signed a contract until 2026. Scored in big games against Sevilla and Atletico Madrid last season too. Getty Images -
Oscar Mingueza 5 - Started only nine league games and played out of his preferred central defence position on the right. He’s 23, he doesn’t look like he’s in the idealised XI of many fans and Kostic’s shot going through his legs as Eintracht took Barça apart in Camp Nou was not a pretty sight, but Barça need a squad and he’s a useful part of it. AP Photo -
Dani Alves 6 - Brought back at the age of 38, he was a Xavi ally on the pitch and in the dressing room. He’s not the one-man right wing he was, but he performed adequately in his 13 league starts in 2022 and contributed with three assists. That the Brazilian can still play at this level at 39 is to his credit. Getty Images -
Jordi Alba 5 - Part of the old guard, he often has more touches per game than any other player on the pitch. The link up with his perfect foil Messi has now gone, but he still made 10 assists for league goals and he’s still first choice left-back. AFP -
Eric Garcia 6 - Still finding his feet and at 21, that’s natural. The move from Manchester City hasn’t fully convinced, he can look shaky and composed in the same game and he’s not been short of critics, but Spain boss Luis Enrique said of him this week: “Eric is a marvellous player, the criticism is unjust, as long as I’m coach and he keeps playing like this he’ll stay with the national team.” Getty Images -
Clement Lenglet 4 - The French central defender started only seven league games and came on in 14 more. Too many mistakes, too many bookings, but he started Barça’s final games of the season so that maybe an indication of Xavi’s thinking. Better in Europe, though. He’d be sold if a decent offer came in for the player who cost €35 million from Sevilla in 2018. AFP -
Samuel Umtiti NA - One start and he’s the player Barça have most wanted to get off their books. At his best, he established himself as a starter alongside Pique in 2016/17. He was a World Cup winner with France but his knee injury – and the way he chose not to have an operation, frustrated fans. Injury-plagued (he missed three months of this season with a fractured toe) and likely to be moved on if Barça can find a taker. EPA -
MIDFIELDERS: Frenkie de Jong 7 - Started 30 league matches, plus another 12 in Europe where he performed better. The Dutchman, 25, has yet to fulfil his huge €75 million transfer fee - though he’s played in troubled times. His manager likes him and he’s better with Busquets behind him, yet that’s also the role he covets most – he wants to be the first player to get the ball from the defenders. A super passer not afraid to dribble past an opponent, his through balls can split defences. Linked with a move away. Getty Images -
Pedri 6 - After playing non-stop for club and country in 20-21, the Canarian, still only 19, was limited to only 10 league starts in 21-22. Twice he had a hamstring injury, missing the first half of the season and the last eight league games. He shoots, he passes well, he defends, he has the potential to be one of the best players in the world. Xavi hopes he will be a key man again next season. Reuters -
Gavi 9 - Seventeen and superb, the breakthrough star of the season started 28 league games and came on in six more. The midfielder gets stuck in and isn’t averse to a yellow card, but given he has also become an important part of Luis Enrique’s Spain side, he was as overused in 21-22 as Pedri was the previous season. Looks like he has the talent to play at the top level and his through balls are shaping up to be as effective as Iniesta’s, but needs more discipline. Getty Images -
Sergio Busquets 7 - Played 3,202 league minutes last season, far more than any other Barça player. The defensive midfielder, 33, brings balance, experience and muscle to the side (none could match his 12 yellow cards). He’s still performing, still protecting a defence which needs protecting, still the first name on the team sheet. Getty Images -
Nico 6 - Son of former Deportivo La Coruna great Fran, Nico, 20, doesn’t have the same technical level as fellow young Spanish midfielders Pedri and Gavi. Failed to shine when he started seven consecutive league games in the autumn – Barça won only two of them – but the central midfielder is valued at Camp Nou. A big lad who should be better in the air, he’s still improving. Getty Images -
Riqui Puig 5 - Adored by Barça’s online fans who can’t understand why the La Masia graduate doesn’t get more opportunities; ignored by the coaches who are paid to manage FC Barcelona. The skilful, diminutive, central midfielder, 22, started only two league games. Needs to be playing more football, even if away from Camp Nou. AP Photo -
FORWARDS: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 8 - A big success after signing from Arsenal in February, the 32-year-old has long wanted to play for Barcelona and his family have long lived near the city. That’s a model Barça have to persist with since they don’t have the finances they once did. Scored a stunning hat-trick in a 4-1 away win at Valencia, then scored twice in a 4-0 away win at Real Madrid – by a distance Barça’s best result and performance of the season. Getty Images -
Luuk de Jong 9 - Derided as not being Barça class, as being a cut-price option for a desperate club cutting costs, he had more doubters than any of his teammates after arriving from Sevilla at the start of the season. And how he proved them wrong. The Dutchman was always a backup striker and started only six games, coming on in 15 more. Yet he scored six goals in his 643 league minutes. He’s versatile, better than any Barça player in the air, he lays the ball off well and draws in defenders. Super sub. AP Photo -
Ousmane Dembele 6 - Linked with a move away and the expensive Frenchman may yet leave. He was strongly criticised by fans and even club insiders after refusing to sign a contract. Started 15 league games and came on in six more. Scored only once, yet made an astonishing 13 assists, more than any other player. He’s one of the few players to get the crowd off their seats, to try and beat an opponent. It doesn’t always come off and that frustrates some fans used to more measured build up, but he’s box office on the pitch. Getty Images -
Ansu Fati 5 - Another big teen talent, 19, but one who barely played because of a knee and then hamstring injury. He returned to the delight of the crowd at home to Mallorca in May and featured in Barça’s final five games of the season, playing on the left. Star potential – as he showed with a header against Real Madrid in the Super Cup which signalled the Catalans re-birth under Xavi. Getty Images -
Ferran Torres 5 - Signed from Manchester City, his four goals (and four assists) in 1,417 league minutes was disappointing. He’s scored two in one game for City against Arsenal in August before his January move. He got another two in a March home win against Osasuna, but he was profligate elsewhere and needs consistency. Selfless, hard-working, supported by the crowd, versatile – but he needs to sharpen up in front of goal. AFP -
Adama Traore 6 - Four league starts from when his loan move from Wolves started in January until the end of the season. Fast, strong, direct, the boy from Barcelona didn’t do enough for his team to make a serious push to sign him. Getty Images -
Memphis Depay 7 - Given the small task of replacing Lionel Messi at the start of the season, he played well and scored in eight of Barça’s first 15 league games in a struggling side. But no goals or assists in six Champions League group games was one reason Barça didn’t advance. A hamstring and then Achilles injury disrupted his season before he came back into the starting XI at the close. Reuters
The 32-year-old has netted 13 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions in his first six-months, showing he still has what it takes at the top table.
“Auba has been a brilliant gift fallen from the sky for us because he’s very positive,” Xavi recently told reporters.
“It's a privilege to manage him and we know he’s got a lot of goals to give the team. I’m very pleased with him individually because he’s an example to follow in training and everyone in the squad.”
There is no question if Barca are to challenge Real next season, they need to bolster their squad further. The cash-strapped Catalans will no doubt do this, but it will also depend on outgoings.
Netherlands international Frenkie de Jong continues to be heavily-linked with a move to Manchester United to link-up with former manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, who he played for at Ajax.
Question marks also remain over the future of France international Ousmane Dembele, who continues to be attracting the attention of Paris Saint-Germain. Martin Braithwaite, Oscar Mingueza, Riqui Puig, Neto and Samuel Umtiti are all surplus to requirements, and are likely to be moved on. Meanwhile, Luuk de Jong, like Traore, will return to his parent club Sevilla.
Barca remain hopeful of keeping talented teenager Gavi, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool. The 17-year-old has been a shining star in the middle of midfield, and if Barca are to challenge next campaign, Gavi certainly must stay put and be part of Xavi’s project.
Gallery: Real Madrid 0 Barcelona 4
-
Ferran Torres celebrates with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembele after scoring Barcelona's third goal in their 4-0 win against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on March 20, 2022. Getty -
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, right, scores Barcelona's fourth goal over Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. AP -
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang battles for possession with Casemiro of Real Madrid. Getty Images -
Real Madrid defender Eder Militao attempts to tackle Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele. AFP -
Barcelona players celebrate the 4-0 victory over Real Madrid. Getty Images -
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates after scoring Barcelona's fourth goal against Real Madrid. AP -
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a shot on goal against Real Madrid. Getty Images -
Barcelona players celebrate at the end of the match after beating Real Madrid 4-0. AFP -
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior is fouled by Barcelona defender Jordi Alba. AFP -
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates with teammates after scoring for Barcelona against Real Madrid. AFP -
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang points to the crowd after scoring for Barcelona against Real Madrid. AFP -
Ferran Torres celebrates after scoring for Barcelona against Real Madrid. AFP -
Ferran Torres runs off in celebration after scoring against Real Madrid. AFP -
A scoreboard inside the Santiago Bernabeu shows the final result of the game between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Reuters
The club’s legal team and the player's camp have been in permanent contact to draw up the new contract, that will link Gavi to Camp Nou for another four years, until 2026 – and it is reportedly all but done.
While there is likely to be movement in outgoings, incomings are also a must.
Barca will no doubt have earmarked their targets, and given 35-year-old Gerard Pique could leave the club, a centre-back is likely to be one of the priorities. Xavi will be keen to find the perfect partner for Eric Garcia, despite having Uruguayan Ronald Araujo in his ranks.
A left-back is also on the agenda, a player who is able to challenge Jordi Alba, 33, for a place in the starting XI. A few names have been linked; Javi Galan of Celta Vigo, Benfica’s Alejandro Grimaldo, and Marcos Alonso of Chelsea, the latter being the preferred choice as it stands.
Barca do have youngster Alejandro Balde in their ranks, but the 18-year-old highly rated full-back is still in his period of development and seen as one for the future.
In terms of midfield, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva is an option, should De Jong leave for Manchester United, and it is believed Pep Guardiola will not stand in the Portugal international’s way, should he feel his time at the Etihad is over.
The Catalans have already moved swiftly by bringing in Pablo Torre, an 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who can also play as a winger from Racing Santander, beating Real Madrid to his signature. It is believed the player decided on a move to the Camp Nou, due to Xavi’s principals of giving youngsters the chance to shine.
La Liga top scorers and most assists 2021/22
-
LA LIGA TOP SCORERS 2021/22: =11) Goncalo Guedes (Valencia) 11 goals in 36 games. AFP -
=11) Luis Suarez (Atletico Madrid) 11 goals in 35 games. AFP -
=11) Carlos Soler (Valencia) 11 goals in 32 games. AFP -
=11) Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Barcelona) 11 goals in 17 games. AP -
=9 Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid) 12 goals in 36 games. EPA -
=9) Memphis Depay (Barcelona) 12 goals in 28 games. Reuters -
8) Jose Luis Morales (Levante) 13 goals in 35 games. Getty -
7) Joselu (Alaves) 14 goals 37 games. EPA -
=5) Enes Unal (Getafe) 16 goals in 37 games. EPA -
=5) Juanmi (Real Betis) 16 goals in 33 games. EPA -
3) Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) 17 goals in 35 games. AFP -
=3) Raul de Tomas (Espanyol). 17 goals in 34 games. EPA -
2) Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo) 18 goals in 37 games. Getty -
1) Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) 27 goals in 32 games. Getty -
MOST ASSISTS LA LIGA 2021/22: =9) Nabil Fekir (Real Betis) Eight assists in 34 games. Getty -
=9) Luka Modric (Real Madrid) Eight assists in 28 games. AP -
=7) Sergi Darder (Real Sociedad) Nine assists in 36 games. AFP -
=7) Oscar Trejo (Rayo Vallecano) Nine assists in 32 games. AFP -
=3) Iker Muniain (Athletic Bilbao) 10 assists in 35 games. Reuters -
=3) Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) 10 assists in 35 games. Getty -
=3) Daniel Parejo (Villarreal) 10 assists in 33 games. Getty -
=3) Jordi Alba (Barcelona) 10 assists in 30 games. AP -
2) Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) 12 assists in 32 games. EPA -
1) Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona) 13 assists in 21 games. Reuters
Barca are also set to bolster their forward options. A move for Bayern Munich rebel Robert Lewandowski looks likely, with the player keen on a move to Spain.
The Bundesliga champions remain adamant their Poland international will honour his contract with the German club and remain the team's striker until June 30, 2023, but the forward has already stated publicly that his time at the Allianz Arena is over and he wants to join Barcelona.
According to a report from Sky Germany, Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic travelled to the striker's holiday home in Mallorca to persuade him to change his mind – but he ultimately failed in his attempts to do so.
Xavi and Barca are waiting in the wings, and signing the striker – who has netted 50 goals in 46 games for Bayern last season, and scored 344 goals in 375 matches during his eight-year stay – would be a huge coup. Even more so given Real failed in their attempts to lure Kylian Mbappe to the Spanish capital from PSG most recently.
If Barca get their summer transfers right, and Xavi is able to bring in the players he wants, the club could well get back to challenging Real sooner than many think.
They may also end up beating Real to the La Liga title next season - which would be a huge achievement for the club given their woes and recent problems on and off the pitch.
It seems as though Xavi could be the man to guide Barca back to the top after all, and maybe he can end up toppling Madrid to the domestic crown next campaign.
