A number of factors have combined to push Barcelona to make some changes to the squad as well as their recruitment policy in recent times.
The likes of Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba – mainstays in the squad for over a decade – bid adieu over the past year or so.
Meanwhile, the financial situation has forced Barça to keep an eye out on young talents in the market as well as promote youth prospects from within the club.
Average age drops from 26.2 years to 25.9 years
Starting the 2023/24 season, the average of the Barcelona squad was at 26.2 years, and as per SPORT, it has now reduced to 25.9 years, following the arrival of Vitor Roque.
The Brazilian talent arrived in Catalonia yesterday and will be integrated into the first-team squad in the coming days, before being registered with La Liga in time to make his debut against Las Palmas on January 4.
Even though he was signed in the summer, the teenage striker has only arrived now, with the Catalans having postponed his incorporation to the winter owing to FFP issues earlier.
At 18 years and 10 months old, Roque adds more youth and freshness to the squad, with the average age now dropping to 25.9 years.
The report further states that as many as 11 players in the squad are in the age group between 16 and 25 years, indicating the number of young talents at Xavi’s disposal.
Only four players are within the age range of 26-30 years while a total of seven players in the squad belong to the age group of 31-35 years.
There is a good mix of youth and experience within the squad, where Lamine Yamal (16) is the youngest and Robert Lewandowski (35) is the oldest.
