Ranking the 10 worst signings of Bartomeu’s Barcelona presidency

Bartomeu’s position became untenable during the previous summer when Lionel Messi tried – and failed – to leave the club in an extraordinary turn of events.

At the time, Barcelona fans rejoiced at the news of Bartomeu’s departure – looking at a list of the club’s worst signings under his watch, it’s easy to see why.

In the same summer Barcelona secured the signatures of Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Luis Suarez, the transfer of Mathieu took place with minimal fuss.

The centre-back-cum-left-back was handed the unenviable task of filling the boots of both the departed Carles Puyol and Eric Abidal — a nigh-on impossible job.

A spectacular free-kick in the Copa del Rey against Elche and a goal in El Clasico proved to be the highlights from his time at the Camp Nou, but, in the end, Mathieu failed to live up to his predecessors. After three seasons with Barca he was let go on a free transfer, signing for Sporting Lisbon.

An inoffensive signing by most fan measurements. Digne was brought into the club with the hope he could provide some competition for Jordi Alba. He made 46 appearances across two seasons in all competitions but ultimately failed to really threaten Alba’s starting spot.

It’s what Digne has gone on to achieve that stings Barca fans, though.

In his first three seasons at Everton, he turned into a full-back of the highest quality and, after his falling out with Rafa Benitez early in this campaign, has shown further evidence of his excellence in an Aston Villa shirt.

A real injury-plagued nightmare. Vermaelen was brought to Barcelona after five successful seasons with Arsenal and was expected to compete for a starting spot at the heart of the Blaugrana defence. Unfortunately for him, injuries would decimate his