Barcelona’s busy summer could bring another round of changes before the new season begins, with several important shirt numbers set to become available following a number of departures and potential new arrivals.
According to SPORT, the Blaugrana are preparing for movement across the squad, and the changes could affect some of the club’s most recognisable numbers.
The biggest confirmed switch involves the No. 1 shirt, as Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s departure has left the jersey vacant, and La Liga has already approved Joan Garcia’s move from No. 13 to No. 1.
That decision will create another change in the goalkeeping department, with Wojciech Szczesny expected to take over the No. 13 shirt.
Furthermore, numbers previously worn by Ronald Araujo, Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski and Marcus Rashford are also available, while possible arrivals such as Joao Cancelo, Rodri and Julian Alvarez could influence how Barcelona’s final squad numbers are decided.
Iconic Barcelona numbers become available
As per the outlet, the No. 2 shirt is currently available and Joao Cancelo could reclaim the number if Barcelona complete his return.
The Portuguese full-back previously wore No. 2 during his earlier spell with the Blaugrana.
The No. 4 is also vacant following Ronald Araujo’s loan move to Liverpool.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has joined Ajax. (Photo courtesy: Ajax official website)
Eric Garcia could be one candidate to take the shirt, although another possibility depends entirely on Barcelona’s pursuit of Rodri.
If the Manchester City midfielder completes his move to Camp Nou, he could reportedly become a contender for one of the club’s most historic numbers.
Meanwhile, the No. 7 has also been freed following Ferran Torres’ move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Fermin Lopez, who currently wears No. 16, could potentially switch to another first-team number, a scenario that could also allow Rodri to take No. 16, a number he has worn during different stages of his career.
Anthony Gordon could also enter the picture, with the No. 7 and potentially No. 17 emerging as possible options depending on further departures.
Julian Alvarez’s No. 9, Adeyemi’s No. 14
Perhaps the most significant shirt number still available is the No. 9.
Robert Lewandowski’s departure has left the famous jersey vacant after four years, and Barcelona are reportedly keeping it reserved for Julian Alvarez.
Ronald Araujo has signed for Liverpool. (Photo courtesy: Liverpool official website)
The Argentine remains the club’s leading target for the centre-forward position, meaning the No. 9 could become another part of Barcelona’s transfer plans if a deal with Atletico Madrid can eventually be completed.
The No. 14 is another number that has become available following Marcus Rashford’s exit.
According to the report, Karim Adeyemi has already shown a preference for No. 14.
Meanwhile, Xavi Espart has worn No. 12 during pre-season and could retain it if he earns a permanent first-team place.
More to the story
Marc Casado’s future could also have an impact on the final list of Barcelona shirt numbers. The midfielder currently wears No. 17, and a departure would make that number available for another player.
There is also uncertainty surrounding Bardghji’s No. 19. If Barcelona’s medical staff determine that the winger will miss the remainder of the season because of his injury, the number could become available.
That could create another opportunity for Jesse Bisiwu, although Flick must first decide whether the player will remain part of the first-team setup or return permanently to the reserve side.