Following a dramatic deadline day, the summer transfer window, in the majority of top leagues around Europe, has finally slammed to a shut. It was an important one for FC Barcelona, who are bracing themselves for a new era under the leadership of Ronald Koeman.
Here, at The 4th Official, we will rate every one of FC Barcelona’s new signings this summer and whether or not they can help them restore the club’s lost glory.
Ratings FC Barcelona’s New Signings This Summer
Miralem Pjanic 6/10
Miralem Pjanic was the biggest buy for FC Barcelona this summer, with the Bosnian international joining the club in a staggering €60 million move from Juventus FC.
The idea behind the addition of Pjanic was to provide a solid replacement for Ivan Rakitic, who returned to Sevilla. Unfortunately, the talented midfielder might have to be content with a role of being a back-up for Sergio Busquets as Barcelona have been blessed by the return of Philippe Coutinho this season.
The Brazilian has established himself as a key component in the number ten role, blocking any route for Pjanic to get into the starting lineup. While we will definitely see the Bosnian becoming a core part of the Barcelona midfield, it would need a rapid decline of Busquets, so timing is the essence, as far as the player is concerned.
Trincao 8/10
Barcelona missing out on Memphis Depay was certainly a huge blow for the Catalans, who have already appeared overreliant on the services of the young Ansu Fati in these early parts of the campaign. Fortunately, Koeman has another talented youngster at his disposal in the shape of Trincao.
The 20-year-old joined the club from SC Braga for a fee of €30 million, initially as a future prospect. But given the lack of depth in the attacking unit, the Portuguese could now compete with the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann on the right flank this season.
Trincao has also been called up to the Portuguese national side by Fernando Santos this month, and it will be interesting to see whether or not he can make a mark at the highest level of football.
Sergino Dest 8/10
Sergino Dest made history by becoming the first American to play for FC Barcelona when he appeared as a late substitute in the game against Sevilla. For Barca, that won’t hopefully be the last record he breaks, having signed him from Ajax for a fee of €21 million.
Dest is a like for like replacement for Nelson Semedo, who joined Wolves earlier this summer. The USMNT star will, therefore, compete with Sergi Roberto for the right-back position.
On paper, Dest is a speedy individual, who is quite familiar with the possession-based game as he is a product of the Ajax youth academy. Hence, he shouldn’t have any problems settling in at Camp Nou, although critics do suggest that the 19-year-old needs to improve his ball-retention and decision making in the final third.
Matheus Fernandes 5/10
Matheus Fernandes was brought in from Palmeiras for a fee of €7 million way back in January. The Brazilian holding midfielder, it seems, is a long-term investment for FC Barcelona, especially with Busquets and Pjanic nearing the final phase of their respective careers.
Unfortunately, Barcelona already have too many midfield options in Carles Alena, Riqui Puig and Frenkie de Jong, so one would imagine Matheus getting minimal opportunities in the first-team. The youngster is also suffering from a muscular injury, and it won’t be surprising to see him move away from Camp Nou on a short-term loan deal after the turn of the year.
Pedri 7/10
Much like Trincao, Pedri is another young attacker who could potentially emerge as an interesting first-team option for Koeman this season, especially after Barcelona offloaded Rafinha on the deadline day.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Pedri is currently the primary alternative for Coutinho in the number ten role. He has, in fact, featured in all three of Barcelona’s league matches so far this campaign, albeit as a late substitute.
The hectic schedule of the 2020/21 campaign should offer players like Pedri and Trincao with an ideal opportunity to make an impact in the Barcelona first-team this season, essentially making them good acquisitions from the club’s perspective.
