Joshua Kimmich would be the ideal signing for Barcelona as Hansi Flick era begins: Blaugrana's summer transfer window likely ins and outs

Where to start? Barca could do with depth and quality all over the pitch. The most pressing need, though, is perhaps defensive midfield. They made a mess of trying to replace the outgoing Sergio Busquets last summer, and after utilising Andreas Christensen as little more than an agreeable fill-in, will need to find a permanent solution.

There is perhaps need for support on the left wing, with Raphinha potentially being sold and Joao Felix unlikely to turn a mediocre loan spell into a permanent move. Extra help in central defence could also be necessary.

Such are the Catalan club's financial constraints that the rumour mill has churned admittedly slowly for the Spanish giants, but they do look set to complete a move for Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez, though it has been claimed that will not impede Barca from pursuing a higher-quality No.6.

Supposed top target Martin Zubimendi seems set to stay at Real Sociedad, but there are still some names out there. Joshua Kimmich, reportedly unhappy at Bayern Munich, has been mentioned to potentially reunite with his former boss Flick, while Everton's Amadou Onana and Nice's Khephren Thuram have also come up in transfer talk.

Bernardo Silva, meanwhile, was spoken about as a potential target of Xavi's, but it remains to be seen whether that interest in the Manchester City midfielder carries over now Flick is assembling his squad.

Zubimendi was the dream for Barca, and has been for some time, but now that he's seemingly off the table, Barca's options are limited.

Kimmich would be the perfect player to step in, at least as a short-term investment. Bayern have younger options in his position, and would likely be happy to cash in on a player who has one year left on his current contract - especially with an extension seemingly unlikely.

He has also enjoyed success under Flick, and would bring experience to an otherwise young Barca midfield as the Spanish side look to re-establish themselves among Europe's elite.

Barca need to clear house this summer, and likely won't be able to spend if they don't sell some of their assets.

We already know that Felix and Joao Cancelo will return to their parent clubs following mediocre loan spells, while Marcos Alonso will depart on a free transfer, with Atletico Madrid seemingly at the front of the queue for the ex-Chelsea defender.

In terms of raising funds, Raphinha seems to be a favourite to be sold. The Blaugrana are set at right-wing following the emergence of Lamine Yamal, and could make a tidy profit off the Brazilian. Frenkie de Jong has also cropped up in transfer talks, with Arsenal supposedly sniffing around again, while Ronald Araujo is also said to be subject to interest, but he has made it clear that he has no intention of seeking an exit.

The big issue here is Vitor Roque. It has become clear in recent weeks that Xavi didn't really want the young Brazilian, but the Blaugrana pushed for his signature last August - and ensured that he would arrive in January. Xavi rarely gave the teenager minutes, and he finished the season with just two goals. Roque, therefore, seems to be an ideal candidate for a loan move away, if only because a successful spell might raise his market value.

Elsewhere, Barca have a few players returning from loans who could be moved on again. Ansu Fati was again plagued by injury issues at Brighton, while a deal could be agreed for Sergino Dest to join a club in January once he has recovered from the devastating ACL tear the brought his season at PSV to a premature end.

Talented midfielder Pablo Torre, too, could find another temporary home after struggling to impress at Girona.

Barca probably won't make many moves this summer, but it's still likely that they could make a splash or two - with Kimmich serving as a potential major coup. If it's assumed that Raphinha goes but De Jong just about stays, then their XI might not look markedly different than it did last year.

Flick prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation, which would seem to give the Blaugrana various options considering their glut of midfielders. In fact, with three advanced midfielders to fit two positions, he will likely be forced to sit one of Gavi, Pedri or Ilkay Gundogan - especially given Yamal has to be a shoo-in on the right. Things might be a bit trickier on the other flank, but Flick could still make it work.

Barcelona 2024-25 (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; De Jong, Kimmich; Yamal, Gundogan, Pedri; Lewandowski.