"It's what all the club's fans hope for" - Ex-Barcelona star reveals what club have to do in order to compete for the La Liga and UCL
Former Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson believes that the Blaugrana need to make some signings this summer in order to compete for top honors once again.
This season, Xavi's team were never really in the hunt for the Spanish top flight, finishing second and 10 points behind winners Real Madrid. They were also knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter-final stage after losing 6-4 on aggregate to Paris Saint-Germain.
The club have appointed German coach Hansi Flick heading into the new campaign. Claiming that the Spanish giants need more signings to compete at the top, Larsson said (via Tribal Football):
"Barcelona needs to be higher next season, but it all depends on how they can sign and how they fix problems they have. They need to sign some players to be the Barca I remember again."
"It's what all the club's fans hope for, to be competing again, for titles like the Champions League or the league."
The Blaugrana have been linked with a move for players in the defensive midfield position this summer. Among those being named are Bayern Munich and Germany star Joshua Kimmich, who only has a year left on his current deal at the Allianz Arena (via Barca Universal).
To add to potential signings, Barcelona have young talent coming through, like winger Lamine Yamal. The Spain international, who is just 16 years old, made 50 appearances across competitions last season, bagging seven goals and 10 assists.
Barcelona want to sign Kimmich on free transfer in 2025 - Reports
Barcelona reportedly want to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich on a free transfer next summer. As per SPORT, the club's financial constraints could make it difficult for them to complete a move for the German this time out (via Barca Universal).
However, Kimmich's contract expires in 2025 and if he chooses not to extend it, the 29-year-old would become available for free next summer. However, this could be risky, according to the aforementioned report, with Manchester City also interested in Kimmich and willing to pay the transfer fee.
A player like him is certainly going to be sought after, given his versatility in playing at the base of midfield and at right-back. This season, the Bayern Munich star made 43 appearances across competitions, playing both roles, bagging two goals and 10 assists.