Barcelona have made the spotlight in the just-concluded 2023 transfer window spending just €3.4m – their least transfer spending in over a decade.
Futballnews understands the club is grappling with financial issues that has weighed heavily on their transfer budget in 2023 but it appears Joan Laporte and Xavi Hernandez have navigated the tight budget with prudence, signing the best legs.
Although the number of signings made by the club is a far cry from previous trails on transfer windows, the Culers can beat their chest for a prudential sail in the 2023 summer transfer window that helped them avoid a bust-up with FFP Rules while recruiting the best legs.
Barcelona signings in 2023 transfer window
Only five players have joined Barcelona in 2023 summer transfer window with only €3.4m spent. Leading the list of Barcelona’s signings this summer are;
IIkay Gundogan
Former Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund midfielder, IIkay Gundogan is Barcelona’s biggest catch in the just-concluded summer transfer window.
The Champions League winning midfielder shockingly rejected Manchester City’s renewal offer to sign for Barcelona. Gundogan was a household name in Bundesliga when he plied his trade with Borussia Dortmund.
Regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders, Gundogan, 32, has won the Premier League five times with Manchester City, including 2 FA Cup, 4 EFL Cup, 2 Community Shield and a Champions League.
He also won the Bundesliga in 2011 with Borussia Dortmund, including DFB-Pokal in 2011 and DFL-Super Cup in 2011.
Gundogan joined Barcelona as a free agent on a two-year contract till 2025 with an option of a one-year extension.
Inigo Martinez
Inigo Martinez, 32, is one of the most experienced center-backs in Laliga. Martinez has been compared to Barcelona legendary defender Carl Puyol. He is known with his strength, competency, and aerial prowess.
He rose to prominence in his Laliga career at Real Sociedad, where he made 205 appearance, scoring 16 goals in his seven years stint before joining Atletico Bilbao in 2018.
He has won Supercopa de Espana and reach Copa Del Rey final two times with Atletico Bilbao.
Inigo Martinez joined Barcelona as a free agent, signing a two-year contract till 2025.
Oriol Romeu
Oriol Romeu, 31, is another Barcelona addition in 2023 transfer window. His move to Barcelona marks his second return to the club after a one-year spell in 2010 following his break-in from La Masia.
Romeu had stint with Chelsea and Southampton in the Premier League, including loan spells at Valencia and Stuttgart, playing as a defensive midfielder.
He returned to Laliga last summer, joining Girona. He made 33 Laliga appearances for Girona, scoring two goals.
Romeu won Laliga and Supercopa de Espana with Barcelona. He is a Champions League and FA Cup winner with Chelsea. Romeu is the only player bought by Barcelona in 2023 summer. He joined the Catalans for €3.4m on a three-year contract from Girona.
Joao Cancelo
Joao Cancelo was a deadline day catch for Barcelona. Despite falling out of favor at Manchester City in the Premier League, Cancelo, 29, is known for his unrivaled dribbling skills and crossing ability. He was usually deployed as a wingback.
He is a Primeira Liga winner with Benfica, a Serie A and Supercopa Italiana winner with Juventus, Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League winner with Manchester City, and Bundesliga winner with Bayern Munich.
Barcelona reached agreement with Manchester City early before transfer deadline day but the move was delayed due to Barcelona’s niggling financial issues.
Cancelo joined Barcelona on deadline day on a loan deal till 2024 with no buy option.
Joao Felix
Former Atletico Madrid star and Chelsea loanee, Joao Felix was another Portuguese player captured by Barcelona on deadline day.
Despite falling out of favor at Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone, Joao Felix is top-rated Portuguese attacking midfielder. He has won the Primeira League with Benfica, Laliga with Atletico Madrid, and UEFA Nations League with Portugal.
Felix is joining Barcelona on a season-long loan deal till 2024 with no option to buy.
