With four trophies, a 39-match unbeaten run and 141 goals in all competitions between their front three, FC Barcelona enjoyed the near perfect season barring the Champions League exit last season. As brilliant as Barça were for most of the season, they showed flashes of vulnerability, perhaps fatigue, after their exploits in the Club World Cup.

FC Barcelona enjoyed a good transfer window as manager Luis Enrique brought in much needed depth as well made some key signings for the future. Barcelona probably had a more successful window than others in Europe. Spending a tad higher than £100 million, manager Luis Enrique roped in a number of decent signings, to bolster the already glorious roster at the Camp Nou. Due to a FIFA imposed ban in 2014, this was the first summer window where Barça could sign players who could immediately represent the team.

Players Sold/Left

Probably the biggest loss FC Barcelona had this summer was in the form of goalkeeper Claudio Bravo leaving for Manchester City. The 33 year old Chilean left for 18m euros (plus add-ons).

Marc Bartra has gone to Borussia Dortmund in search of more first-team football for 8m euros. Promising midfielder Alen Halilovic was sold to Hamburg for a small sum of 5m euros.

Munir El Haddadi also moved to Valencia on a season long loan. A number of players left the club on free transfer. Barça let Martin Montoya go to Valencia for free. Sandro Ramirez also left to Malaga and Alex Song to Rubin Kazan, all on free transfer. While, the most damaging free transfer is of Dani Alves, who joins Juventus. He’s been a key figure in the Blaugrana defence.

Key Players Brought In

An ageing defense is never a happy sign for the manager, no matter how good the players he may have at his disposal. It was essential for Enrique to make signings at the back. Barcelona signed promising French centre-back Samuel Umtiti from Olympique Lyonnais for a sum of €25 million.

Lucas Digne was signed from PSG and will provide competition to Jordi Alba at the left back position. Digne’s ability on the ball, passing, timing of runs, and contribution in the final third is eye-catching.

Barça acquired Andres Gomes for an initial fee of €35m, potentially rising to €55m depending on the player and club’s performances. The midfielder, who helped Portugal win Euro 2016, can allow the Catalan club to play in different systems while at the same time adding depth in a number of other positions.

Barça’s priority was to add a striker and after weeks of ongoing negotiations, Paco Alcacer moved to the Nou Camp from Valencia for a fee of around €30 million.

At a paltry 3.5m euros, it was a no-brainer to bring back Denis Suarez via his buyback clause. He has adopted the No 6 shirt previously worn by Xavi. After weeks of ongoing speculation, FC Barcelona finally signed Jasper Cillessen from Ajax on a five-year deal. The Dutch National team goalkeeper guided his country to the semi finals of the 2014 World Cup. 

For complete list of FC Barcelona transfers, visit here.

Expected impact players for the season

At the back, new signing Samuel Umtiti is poised to become a world class centre-back. Umtiti showed tremendous promise at Euro 2016. Umtiti is already showing signs of a typical Blaugrana defender. He is good with the ball at his feet, and an adept passer and has the ability to dribble past opponents.

Paco Alcacer will provide options on the bench for the MSN trio upfront. Luis Enrique wants Alcacer to be a player that Barcelona can turn to in times of need and expect results. The 23-year-old is fast, skilled and versatile enough to play in any of the three attacking positions.

The 23-year-old Andres Gomes will be crucial in providing depth in mid-field. The Portuguese has the ability to turn the game around from midfield with a mixture of brilliant passing, dribbling, and finishing.

After two loans to Spanish clubs, Denis Suárez is ready to make his mark at the club. He understands the game, when to run, when to pause play, and when to release the ball. Denis is comfortable on both sides of the midfield, and even upfront.

Complete Squad of FC Barcelona for 2016-2017 season.

This has certainly been a spectacular transfer window.  Luis Enrique got rid of the dead weight and added the right players to strengthen the team. Covering all bases, FC Barcelona is now set to dominate La Liga and have a successful European campaign.

Picture Courtesy: FC Barcelona, ESPN