4 signings Barcelona need to make to compete with Real Madrid

Barring a dramatic collapse from Real Madrid, Barcelona are going to surrender their La Liga crown in pretty meek fashion.

The Catalan giants' indifferent form in the early stages of the season persuaded Xavi that the best course of action was to step down as head coach this summer, and his departure could be the catalyst for significant change at a club still under the cosh financially.

Players will inevitably have to leave in order to allow for incomings, with Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski and Ronald Araujo among those to have been touted for the exit door, and Barcelona will look for other ways to raise cash too – president Joan Laporta does love a good lever or 20, that much we already know.

The question is, what do Barcelona need to get back on level terms with a Real Madrid side likely to be boasting Kylian Mbappe and Endrick next season, in addition to the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo?

The following would be a good starting point...

There's no denying that Robert Lewandowski is one of the greatest strikers of modern times. His relentless thirst for goals helped Bayern Munich dominate the Bundesliga throughout his time at the club, and he was 100% robbed by the decision to award Lionel Messi the Ballon d'Or in 2021.

But despite putting up impressive numbers in his first season at Barcelona – enough to win the Pichichi Trophy – it's clear Lewandowski is not the right fit for the Catalan giants. Certainly not for the long-term.

Vitor Roque is already at Barcelona and he'll likely play a key role in taking the club forward. But guaranteed goals and a dose of wow-factor certainly sums up Newcastle's Alexander Isak to a tee. He'll cost a pretty penny to prise away from St James' Park, but