This time a year ago, Barcelona were reigning La Liga champions and looking towards the 2023/24 season with optimism.
A handful of new signings were meant to make the team better and, hopefully, see Barca not only retain the title but perhaps improve upon their trophy haul.
As we know that didn’t happen, so how did last summer’s signings fare across the campaign?
Vitor Roque
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Never really given a chance to show what he can do by Xavi, which was a move from the coach that ultimately helped lead to his downfall.
There’s clearly a striker in there, albeit one that’s a little rough around the edges.
Positionally adept, he showed in brief flashes that if he’s given a run in the team he could become a mainstay in the front line for the future.
Rating: 4 out of 10
Oriol Romeu
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An absolute disaster of a signing, and goes to show that not every player with a history at La Masia goes on to become a world beater.
Girona must’ve been laughing all the way to the bank when Barca went shopping for who they hoped would be the new Busquets. Yes really!
Needs to be the first player out the door this summer.
Rating: 2.5 out of 10
Ilkay Gundogan
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Not quite the Ilkay Gundogan who helped Manchester City to a treble, but nevertheless, the German was a class apart from many of his contemporaries.
A silky smooth exponent who routinely turned defence into attack with ease, and a player whose presence was particularly noticeable when Frenkie de Jong was injured.
If there’s one minor criticism to be made, it’s the amount of chances he missed during the course of the campaign.
A much-needed strong and authoritative voice in the dressing room too.
Rating: 8 out of 10
Inigo Martinez
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The jury is still out on Inigo Martinez.
An accomplished defender with a decent passing range, however, he’s often too slow across the ground and got caught out of position a number of times.
There were too many elementary mistakes and he’ll have to up his game next season if he wants regular match time.
Rating: 4 out of 10
Joao Cancelo
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A reasonable effort from the Portuguese and there’s certainly an argument for him to be kept on in the right-back position once Alejandro Balde is fit again.
However, he needs more discipline to his game.
Effective going forward with an eye for goal, his marauding forays were a feature throughout the campaign, albeit he often fell short in his primary area of work.
Could be an asset with the high line that Hansi Flick is expected to play.
Rating: 6 out of 10
Joao Felix
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So, so annoying.
It’s obvious that Joao Felix is a spectacular footballer, but the application and desire just isn’t there.
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and now Barca can’t all be wrong.
Provided some wonderful moments in 2023/24, though flashes of brilliance does not a great player make.
Difficult to make a case for him to continue next season.
Rating: 5 out of 10
