Barcelona are reportedly ready to place one final bid to sign Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez. The 23-year-old Argentine has been a long-term target for the Catalan giants, and it seems they will try one more time to sign him in this transfer window.
As per Goal.com, Martinez, who will be a like-for-like replacement for Luis Suarez, is still at the top of Barcelona’s wishlist. There were some speculations doing the rounds recently that Barca have turned their attention towards Dutch forward Memphis Depay, but Martinez is still a priority as per the report.
The Catalan club have also been extensively linked with a move for Liverpool midfielder, Gini Wijnaldum. With just 12 months left on his current contract with the Premier League champions, he is expected to eventually make an exit this summer.
If Barcelona sign Lautaro Martinez and Gini Wijnaldum, how will they line up in the 2020-21 season? Let’s take a look.
POTENTIAL BARCELONA LINEUP FOR THE 2020/21 SEASON (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Marc-André ter Stegen may not start the season as he is nursing an injury but he will be the club’s first-choice keeper once fit.
Defence
There may not be wholesale changes to the backline this summer, considering the financial difficulties that the club is in. Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet could continue at the heart of the defence, despite their woeful recent performances.
Jordi Alba should also continue at left-back, while Sergi Roberto or Nelson Semedo could start at right-back for the Catalan giants.
We expect activity at left-back and possibly at centre-back, but the club is having difficulty in regrouping after the Messi episode.
Midfield
The midfield area will have quite a few changes in the 2020-21 season. Miralem Pjanic could replace Sergio Busquets in the defensive midfield role, with Frenkie de Jong playing ahead of him.
If Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum signs for Barca, he could be a part of the midfield three, adding energy and work-rate. Pjanic and de Jong could be the ones to dictate the tempo of the game from the centre of the park.
Sergio Busquets could be a backup option, while youngster Riqui Puig could also play a key part following the departure of Ivan Rakitic, and the impending departure of Arturo Vidal.
Philippe Coutinho could also be a part of the midfield three, in an advanced role.
Attack
If Lautaro Martinez signs for Barcelona, he would go straight into the starting XI, as the main striker.
Antoine Griezmann could either be used off the left or as an option off the bench. Coutinho or the sensational Ansu Fati could also play as the left-sided winger.
After changing his mind about leaving Barcelona, Lionel Messi should play as the right-sided attacker for the Catalans in the 2020-21 season.
