How Barcelona could line up with Antoine Griezmann, Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong, but without Philippe Coutinho
The LaLiga champions are set to be a force in Europe once again next season
Antoine Griezmann has announced he will leave Atletico Madrid this summer.
The France star, who only signed a five-year deal with the club last year, has a release clause which will drop to £104million on July 1.
And long-term admirers Barcelona are set to move for Griezmann this summer.
The 28-year-old could be playing alongside Frenkie de Jong, whose £65million transfer from Ajax will go through on July 1.
De Jong’s Ajax team-mate, Matthijs de Ligt, has also been heavily linked with a £75million move to the Nou Camp.
Those three additions could make Barcelona a force again in Europe after suffering humiliating eliminations to Liverpool and Roma in two successive seasons.
But one player who is unlikely to be a Barca player next season is Philippe Coutinho. The 26-year-old has failed to live up to expectations since completing a £142million move from Liverpool in January 2018.
Sections of the Camp Nou crowd have turned on the Brazilian by whistling him during games this season.
It has led to reports linking Coutinho with a return to the Premier League.
So, how could Barcelona line up next season?
Marc-Andre ter Stegen could have a solid defensive partnership of De Ligt and Gerard Pique in front of him, with ever-present stars Sergi Roberto and Jordi Alba operating as right and left full-backs, respectively.
With De Jong anchoring the midfield for the Netherlands, he could be positioned a little higher up the pitch with Sergio Busquets operating in his usual deep-lying role.
Ivan Rakitic, 31, is reportedly being targeted by Manchester United and Inter and his potential exit could open the door for Arthur Melo to claim a more regular starting place in midfield.
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Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, who has scored 48 goals so far this season, will be on the right wing and Ousmane Dembele could get a chance to shine if Coutinho’s likely departure happens.
It will leave Griezmann competing for a starting place with Luis Suarez, who had a disappointing Champions League campaign, scoring just once in ten games.
However, Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde has often deployed a 4-4-2 formation, which has worked well in LaLiga.
De Jong and Busquets would be the two central midfielders with Dembele on the left and Messi on the right.
It could see Griezmann partner Suarez up front.
And if Valverde wants more pace from his full-backs, then Nelson Semedo could come in for Roberto.
