Barcelona Transfer Talk: Five Players That Can Strengthen the Blaugrana

Barcelona is the best club team in the world.

There can be no doubting the validity of that statement after their emphatic season ending Champions League victory over Manchester United.

From the goalkeeper through to their forward line there is top quality in every position in the starting 11.

But unlike their rivals Real Madrid, the Catalan squad lacks depth in certain areas of the field.

Barcelona was able to survive the extended absences of Xavi Hernandez and Carles Puyol at different times in the season.

They cannot be too reliant on the same happening again, despite the obvious quality within the squad.

Henrique

Seen here defending against Lionel Messi, some would be suprised to know Henrique is actually a Barcelona player.

The Brazilian defender was brought into the squad three years ago but has been constantly shipped out on loan.

Henrique has played for Racing Santander for the last two years, and should be used to the rigors of La Liga.

It is time for Pep Guardiola to decide whether or not Henrique is Barcelona material. The added bonus of training alongside the likes of Puyol and Eric Abidal will hopefully help him reach his potential,and unlike a new recruit he will, technically, be a free addition.

Both Javier Mascherano and Sergio Busquets were forced into unfamiliar center back roles at times during the season.

Mascherano's performances were more convincing than his younger counterpart, but that is no reason to believe that this situation has been solved for the upcoming season.

Mamadou Sakho

The young French defender has seen a rise in interest over the last year or so.

There were rumors that Arsene Wenger was thinking of bidding for the PSG star earlier in the year, and he has been linked with Barcelona before.

Barcelona have failed recently in the transfer market when central defenders are brought in. Ukrainian Dymtro Chygrynskiy  was thought to be a solid option, but he was bought and sold within a year.

Puyol is on the wrong side of 30, and given his recent injury troubles Barcelona could do with a backup like Sakho.

With youth on his side, and a possible French mentor in Abidal, Sakho would be be able to transition into the squad, and be ready to partner Pique when Puyol hangs up his boots.

Whether or not he can get used to being more of a role player in his first few seasons with Barcelona is yet to be seen.

Thiago Alcantara

Much has been written about whether or not this future star is comparable to Arsenal captain Francesc Fabregas.

Though he is not on the same level right now, he is also not the same time of player.

Alacantara is similar to Xavi in his ability to keep hold of the ball and find his more forward-placed teammates.

He impressed in the few Barcelona outings he had last season and he continued this form in the recent European U-21 Championships.

Alcantara is not yet a full member of the squad which is why his inclusion on a regular basis could be akin to a new player arrival.

He would provide much needed cover for Xavi, while honing his skills to take his place.

Alexis Sanchez

The Udinese starlet is likely to be in a Barcelona jersey by the end of the summer.

Sanchez may have been a known factor in the Italian game before 2010, but the World Cup proved to be his coming out party.

One of the stars of an exciting young Chile team, Sanchez's name has been many lips since the end of World Cup.

Sanchez may not be in the starting lineup from the beginning, but it is more than possible that he can, and will, be able to push Pedro, and maybe Villa, for a place.

In any case he will be able to provide cover for the forward line, and is likely to be very productive doing so in this Barcelona setup.

Unknown Attacker or Defender

If Barcelona was to add these four to their squad, they would be in a good position next season.

The Alcantara addition would be easy, and Sanchez looks likely to join this summer.

Whether or not Henrique stays and whether buying a defender is on Guardiola's summer to do list is another matter.

That being said, there is still the possible need for another addition. Bojan Krkic is on the verge of a move to Roma, and it is possible that Jeffren Suarez may be offloaded as well.

If those two do leave, another forward is needed. Ibrahim Affellay can cover in that position, as well as in midfield, but Barcelona could do with another body up front.

Midfield is probably the area with the most depth, and the addition of Alcantara would provide even more options.

Along with a central defender, Guardiola could be looking at a long-term replacement option for Dani Alves at right-back. Adriano has the ability to slot into that position, but if Maxwell is sold, it is more likely that he will fulfill the left-back role before he goes to the right.

In any case, Barcelona has a strong core heading into the next season, and any addition will only increase their strength.