Best and Worst Moves Barcelona Could Make in the Transfer Window – Bleacher Report

With Ernesto Valverde installed as manager and a clear to-do list in his possession ahead of next seasonnamely overhaul Real Madrid domesticallyBarcelona need to make some strong additions this summer.

Atletico Madrid cannot buy because of their transfer ban, Sevilla have changed managers again and Valencia are still sorting themselves out. That means it's hugely likely to fight for the title in La Liga will end up being a two-way battle once more, with Real on top as reigning Spanish and European champions.

And world champions, for that matter.

It will hurt Barca, who have been the better team for the majority of the past decade, and it's critical they get their moves in the transfer market right this summer after what was a bit of a letdown in 2016, with the likes of Paco Alcacer and Andre Gomes not setting the Camp Nou alight.

Here we identify the best and worst moves the club bosses and Valverde could make.

Best: Dani Alves

A year ago, Barca allowed Brazilian right-back DaniAlves to leave for Juventus, with whom he promptly won Serie A, the Coppa Italia and reached the UEFA Champions League final.

Meanwhile, Barcelona struggled to replace his effectiveness in both halves, with Aleix Vidal alternately poorbar a five-match run in the new yearor injured, while Sergi Roberto suffered dips in form too.

It's no secret Barca will be looking to add a right-back, but their options seem limited, particularly after a stern hands-off warning from Arsenal over Hector Bellerin, perMarca (h/t Liam Spence of theDailyExpress).

Alves, meanwhile, is set to be released from his contract at Juve, per Simon Stone of BBC Sport.

It's expected he'll join Manchester City and former boss Pep Guardiola, but if Barca came calling, would he change his mind? Maybe not, but it's worth asking the question.

Getting Alves back for a yearhe's clearly still good enoughwould give Barca time to raise funds to crank up the pressure on Arsenal to sellBellerin, while Alves could still head to the Premier League afterward if he desired.

Worst: Joao Cancelo

Right-back is a priority.

But Valencia'sJoao Cancelo doesn't have the form to justify being a Barca target, doesn't have the consistency to suggest he would be a huge upgrade on Sergi Roberto and hasn't shown anything like the ability to be a worthwhile 30 million investment, a figure Tomas Andreu of Sportreported last term.

There are alternativeseven if Alves isn't an optionwith similar traits and levels to Cancelowho would be far cheaper or have higher ceilings.

Best: Saul Niguez

The move for Paulinho seems to be on, perJoaquim Piera ofSport, but Barca have been linked with other central midfielders toonamely Marco Verratti. It'san ongoing and difficult chase for the Italian, who recently spoke about the situation withLaGazzetta dello Sport(h/t Dan Gibbs of the DailyExpress).

But now a new name is in the frame: Saul Niguez of Atletico Madrid, perMoises Llorens ofAS.

This will be almost as hard as prising away Verrattigiven he's an Atleti canterano, Los Rojiblancos can't sign a replacement and he has an 80 million buyout clause.

But he'd be perfect for Barca and forValverde.

Aggressive, tenacious, determined and technically brilliant, not to mention versatilehe'd fit Barca's 4-3-3 template but could also play in the double pivot in Valverde's favoured 4-2-3-1 or even act as a wider midfield option in stringing four across the centre.

Best of all, signing him would significantly weaken a domestic rival.

Worst: Sell Rafinha

It's not just incoming deals that affect the team, though. Outgoing possibilities must be considered too.

Ramiro Aldunate of Marcarecentlyreportedof Arsenal's interest in Rafinhaand the player's eagerness to leave the Camp Nou. That would be a terrible piece of business on Barca's behalf.

Rafinha finally broke into the side on a regular basis last term until another injury ended his campaign, but he played a pivotal role for Luis Enrique's team with his ability to attack from deep, play multiple roles and get his name on the scoresheet.

He's a real talent, a player who could play a big role as a 12th man, if not a starter, and it would be helpful for Barca to incorporate him as often as possible given he's a Masia graduate at a time when they're shippingacademytalent elsewhere.

Best: Ousmane Dembele

This one could be fanciful, but if the opportunity pops up to sign a player who could be one of the world's best talents, a club should take it.

Ousmane Dembele isn't the finished product, but his instinctive ability, quick foot-work, lightning pace and willingness to shoulder responsibility are all indicative of his potential to reach the top.

France Football reportedBorussia Dortmund want 79 million (h/tMark Brus ofMetro).Bild saidBarca have already been in touch with BVB and that personal terms have been agreedwith the player (via Brus).

His signing is still a long way off completion, and picking and choosing which of the fourDembele, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarezis left out would be one hell of a job for Valverdeevery week, but it's far from the worst problem to have.

Line up Saul and Sergio Busquets in central midfield, and you might sometimes get away with starting all four of them in an offensive 4-2-3-1.

Worst: Gerard Deulofeu

Unless it is to immediately sell him on to make a quick profit, there would be zero reason for Barcelona to bring back GerardDeulofeu, something Chris Bascombe of the Daily Telegraph reported they will do this summer.

Sure, he made an impact at AC Milan and had a good half-season with them, but the reason he was there in the first place was Milan, a side badly in need of a revamp, presented an easier side to play for than Everton, who finished seventh in the Premier League without his help.

Not hardworking enough for Toffees boss Ronald Koeman, Deulofeu was quickly sidelined, and he has rarely shown any consistency to his game.

He's not going to challenge Alcacer as an alternative goalscoring threat off the bench, and he's not even on the same planet as the first-choice front three.

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Best and Worst Moves Barcelona Could Make in the Transfer Window - Bleacher Report