What next for Barcelona as the old guard continue to exit?

Plus, a look at Sunday’s clash with Real Madrid

Barcelona fans across the globe were welling up last week as Andres Iniesta announced his exit from the Nou Camp this summer. And the 33-year-old’s impending departure signals the end of an era.

In recent years, Barca have seen a slew of club legends retire or move on, including Carles Puyol and Xavi. Most recently, Javier Mascherano jetted off for China after more than seven years and 333 appearances for Blaugrana.

With the changing of the guard soon to be completed, the Coral News Team look at the next crop of stars and some potential summer targets for boss Ernesto Valverde.

The young aces

While Barca aren’t quite producing young players with the talent and frequency of a decade ago, they’ve made a number of smart acquisitions with bright futures ahead.

Winger Ousmane Dembele has been excellent since his return from injury. The 20-year-old has chalked up two goals and seven assists in 20 outings – just 10 of those starts.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old duo Nelson Semedo and Samuel Umtiti have been impressively solid in their respective defensive roles.

Possible summer acquisitions

Reports from Don Balon suggest there’ll be a clearing out of the deadwood at Camp Nou this summer, including the likes of Paco Alcacer and Denis Suarez.

For starters, Gremio prodigy Arthur Melo is definitely on his way to the Nou Camp, having reached an agreement over a summer move. A skilful, composed and diminutive ball of energy, the 21-year-old looks to be an ideal Iniesta replacement.