FC Barcelona Registers Three New Players Ahead of the 2024/25 Season

FC Barcelona Registers Three New Players Ahead of the 2024/25 Season

Barcelona, Spain – FC Barcelona has officially registered three new players ahead of the 2024/25 season, marking a significant step in the club’s ongoing rebuild under manager Xavi Hernández. The new signings—João Cancelo, Vitor Roque, and Ivan Fresneda—are expected to bolster Barcelona’s squad as they prepare to challenge for domestic and European honors.

Portuguese full-back João Cancelo, 30, joins Barcelona on a permanent transfer from Manchester City after spending the previous season on loan at Bayern Munich. Cancelo’s ability to play both as a right-back and left-back offers Xavi valuable tactical flexibility, allowing him to deploy the player in various defensive and attacking roles.

Cancelo has been a key target for Barcelona throughout the summer, with Xavi identifying the need for a versatile and experienced full-back to complement his squad. Known for his excellent crossing, dribbling, and defensive skills, Cancelo is expected to be a crucial component of Barcelona’s backline.

“João Cancelo is a player who brings a lot of quality and experience to our team,” said Xavi during the official unveiling. “His versatility and ability to contribute in both defense and attack will be invaluable as we compete on multiple fronts this season.”

Brazilian forward Vitor Roque, 19, has been one of the most talked-about young talents in world football. After an impressive stint with Athletico Paranaense, where he showcased his goal-scoring prowess, Roque’s move to Barcelona has been met with great excitement by the club’s supporters.

Roque’s signing is part of Barcelona’s long-term strategy to secure the best young talent in world football. The forward, who can play across the front three, is expected to provide competition and support for Barcelona’s established attackers, including Robert Lewandowski and Ansu Fati.

Despite his young age, Roque has already drawn comparisons to some of Brazil’s greatest forwards, with many pundits predicting a bright future for the teenager in Europe. His arrival at Barcelona is seen as a statement of intent by the club, demonstrating their commitment to building a team capable of sustained success.

“Vitor is a player with incredible potential, and we are delighted to have him at Barcelona,” said the club’s sporting director, Deco. “He has all the qualities to become a top player for us, and we are confident that he will develop into one of the best forwards in the world.”

Spanish right-back Ivan Fresneda, 19, completes Barcelona’s trio of new signings. Fresneda joins the Catalan giants from Real Valladolid, where he emerged as one of the brightest defensive prospects in La Liga. His signing is viewed as a significant coup for Barcelona, given the competition from several top European clubs for his signature.

Fresneda’s defensive solidity, coupled with his ability to contribute to the attack, has drawn praise from scouts and coaches alike. At Barcelona, he is expected to compete for the right-back position, providing depth and ensuring healthy competition within the squad.

Xavi is known to be a long-time admirer of Fresneda’s talents, and his acquisition aligns with the club’s strategy of blending youth with experience. Fresneda’s development will be closely monitored, with the youngster seen as a key part of Barcelona’s future defensive setup.

“Ivan is a player we have been following for a long time, and we are thrilled to have him here,” said Xavi. “He has shown great maturity for his age, and we believe he has the potential to be a top right-back for Barcelona.”

The registration of these three players is a significant achievement for Barcelona, given the financial challenges the club has faced in recent years. The club’s board, led by President Joan Laporta, has worked diligently to manage the wage bill and ensure compliance with La Liga’s financial fair play regulations.

In addition to securing new sponsorship deals and offloading players who were not part of Xavi’s plans, Barcelona has also focused on renegotiating contracts with key players to create the necessary financial space to register new signings. The successful registration of Cancelo, Roque, and Fresneda is a testament to the club’s financial management and strategic planning.

“We have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that we can register these players while adhering to all financial regulations,” said Joan Laporta. “Our priority is to build a competitive team that can challenge for trophies while also securing the long-term financial stability of the club.”

With the registration of João Cancelo, Vitor Roque, and Ivan Fresneda, FC Barcelona is well-positioned to compete on multiple fronts in the upcoming season. The new signings add depth, quality, and versatility to a squad that is already brimming with talent.

As Barcelona prepares for their La Liga opener and the start of the UEFA Champions League campaign, fans will be eager to see how the new additions integrate into Xavi’s system. The club’s ambition is clear: to reclaim their position at the top of European football and continue the proud tradition of success that has defined FC Barcelona for decades.