How Barcelona could line up with Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona have already confirmed the signing of Brazilian attacker Raphinha from Leeds United, while Ousmane Demebele has signed a new two-year-deal. 

Meanwhile, Barca are allegedly set to test Bayern Munich's resolve over talisman Robert Lewandowski, with one report claiming that they are preparing a final offer worth €50m (£42.3m) plus add-ons.

The 33-year-old recently returned to pre-season training with the perennial Bundesliga champions, but he has publicly expressed his desire to leave the club and has earmarked Catalonia as his preferred destination.

Here is a look at how Xavi's Barcelona side could line up for the 2022-23 campaign with both Raphinha and Dembele plus a potential signing Lewandowski.

The 4-3-3 formation has become Barcelona's identity formation for many seasons now and it's not expected that Xavi would alter it.

Without any doubt, the first name on the team sheet will be German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who kept 15 clean sheets across all competitions in 2021-22. 

Summer signing Andreas Christensen, who has joined the club on a free transfer from Chelsea, will be hoping to play regularly at the heart of Barcelona's defence, with Ronald Araujo the most likely candidate to start alongside him. Veteran Gerard Pique and youngster Eric Garcia are the other available options for Xavi.

With no words concerning Cesar Azpilicueta joining the side from Chelsea on the table, Sergino Dest and Sergio Roberto are both set to battle for a place at right-back. Jordi Alba, meanwhile, will continue to operate at left-back where he has played on a regular basis over the last 10 years.

In midfield, it gets pretty interesting as there is a new recruit in Franck Kessie, who won the Serie A title with AC Milan last season. One of the club captains, Sergio Busquets, is expected to receive stiff competition from Kessie in the deep-lying midfielder role, although the Ivorian could also play in other positions higher up the pitch.

It is left to be seen whether Frenkie De Jong will be part of this new look Barcelona. The Dutchman has been linked with a move away from the club to Manchester United, although he has indicated he wants to remain at the Camp Nou.

Gavi, 17, was a constant feature in the team last term, featuring in 47 games across all tournaments, and he is set to play an important role again for the Catalan giants next season, while playmaker Pedri – who has been handed the number eight shirt – will be keen to put an injury-hit 2021-22 campaign behind him and cement his place in the first XI.

In attack, newly signed Raphinha has played almost every game for Leeds as an inverted right winger, and this might lead to Ousmane Dembele, who just signed a new deal, moving to the left flank.

Both Raphinha and Dembele are set to face stern competition from Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati for regular starts in the final third.

As for Lewandowski, it will be no surprise to see the Polish striker lead the line should he complete a move to Barcelona.

Memphis Depay and January arrival Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are two more attacking options available to Xavi, with the versatile duo able to play in any of the available positions across the front three.

Despite the financial situations they have found themselves in, Barcelona have done good business so far and it would be a perfect window if Lewandowski joins from Bayern.

 

 

 

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