5 best Barcelona players signed by Josep Bartomeu
After months of protests, Josep Maria Bartomeu finally stepped down as the president of Barcelona. Elected into the office in 2014 following the resignation of Sandro Russel, Bartomeu brought renewed vigour to Barcelona as they dominated Spanish football for the majority of his tenure.
However, Bartomeu's policy of buying global superstars instead of developing players from the La Masia saw several of their promising youngsters moving out of the club. Bartomeu did bring in quality players that have helped Barcelona during his six-year tenure as the club president.
We look at 5 of Josep Bartomeu's best signings during his tenure as the club president.
#5 Paulinho
The Brazlian is of the most unexpected as well as underrated signings in Barcelona history. Paulinho arrived in Barcelona in 2017 after an impressive spell in the Chinese Super League with Guangzhou Evergrande.
Paulinho, who moved to China after a disastrous spell with Tottenham Hotspur, was one of the most surprising transfers of that season. The Brazilian was initially ridiculed by home and rivals fans alike after the transfer was officially announced.
The midfielder, though, proved his critics wrong. Paulinho had an instant impact on the Barcelona side and his physicality provided a different dimension to the Barcelona attack. He also came up with timely goals as Barcelona won the double under Ernesto Valverde.
Paulinho though was surprisingly sold back to Guangzhou a year later for a profit of €2 million. In his only season, the Brazilian made 49 appearances and scored nine goals for the club.
#4 Clement Lenglet
Clement Lenglet has arguably been one of the better defensive signings Barcelona have made in the last decade. The Frenchman caught the eye of the Blaugrana after an impressive spell with Sevilla.
Lenglet joined Barcelona in 2018 after the Spanish giants triggered a €35 million release clause in his contract. Samuel Umtiti's injury woes saw Lenglet quickly establish himself as the first-choice central defender along with Gerard Pique.
Lenglet has been one of the first-names on the teamsheet since his move. In the two years he has been at the club, the Frenchman has made 90 appearances and scored six goals. During this short period, he has also won the Spanish Super Cup and the La Liga.