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Barcelona's Potential Starting Line-Up Next Season Could Dominate European Football

Barcelona's Potential Starting Line-Up Next Season Could Dominate European Football

Talent galore.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

It was announced late last night that World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann is set to leave Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, with a big money move to Barcelona moving ever closer.

The 28-year-old, who scored 133 goals in 256 appearances for the club, announced that he will take up a new challenge:

"It's been an incredible five years. Thank you for everything," he said. "I wanted to tell the fans who have always given me a lot of love that I have taken the decision to leave, to see other things, to have other challenges."

It comes as no big shock. Last summer, speculation surrounding a move to the Camp Nou was rife but to the bemusement of many, Griezmann signed a new five-year deal at the Wanda Metropolitano.

But it looks more and more likely that Barcelona will swoop for the striker, and are ready to pay his 120m euros buyout clause, according to the BBC.

Ernesto Valverde's side didn't meet expectations in the Champions League after slumping to a dramatic 4-3 aggregate defeat to Liverpool in the semi-finals, but it looks like they'll be stronger than ever next season.

Frenkie De Jong, who will join Barcelona on a five-year deal, is already living up to his hefty €75 million price-tag following a number of breathtaking performances in European competition.

His fearless style of play, combined with his capability to defend and attack, will prove pivotal for the Catalan side in the coming months.

The club are also 'one step away' from capturing one of the world's most talented centre-backs.

Matthis de Ligt, another Ajax prodigy, is also on Barcelona's radar and is rightly being touted as Gerard Pique's long term successor after a number of solid performances in the Champions League.

The 19-year-old has not only shown maturity beyond his years in terms of his positioning and decision making, but his goals tally in big games would again prove vital for Valverde's side.

If the Spanish giants manage to tie up all three deals, then they're potential starting XI next season would certainly challenge for multiple honours.

Image: CreateFormation
Image: CreateFormation

In terms of strength in depth, Barcelona will be far more equipped that this season.

Ousmane Dembele will undoubtably feature heavily in the front three, while the likes of Malcom and Philippe Coutinho - if he's still at the club - could bring something different to proceedings.

In midfield, Arturo Vidal, Ivan Rakitic and Carles Alena are strong candidates to challenge the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Arthur and Sergio Busquets, not to mention the defensive capabilities of Samuel Umtiti, Sergi Roberto and Clement Lenglet.

Here's another potential line-up via CreateFormation:

Image: CreateFormation
Image: CreateFormation

Do you think Barcelona can reclaim the Champions League if they manage to secure the above signings?

Let us know in the comments.

Featured Image Credit: CreateFormation

Topics: SPORT, Football News, Football, Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Antoine Griezmann, Ajax, Frenkie De Jong, La Liga