Barcelona confirm 77 signings after transfer embargo lifted, but where will they fit in?

By Jack Wilkinson and Nick Pepper

Image: Arda Turan signed for Barcelona in July but officially completed the move after transfer embargo was lifted

The opening of the January transfer window has had clubs across the globe scrambling to freshen up their squad with new acquisitions.

But for Barcelona, the turn of the year had added significance as a frustrating 12 months under a transfer embargo - enforced by FIFA for breaking rules on signing under-age foreign players - came to an end.

And what did Barca do to celebrate? They ratified no fewer than 77 transfers as soon as the ban was lifted.

Though they were banned from signing players for the whole of 2015, Barca have been steadily accumulating them. Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan are notable examples of this policy, with the pair, who signed in June and July respectively, training regularly with Luis Enrique's squad despite not being able to play.

Image: The majority of Barcelona's 77 signings will be part of the club's renowned La Masia academy

But with only two first-team signings, the majority of the players brought in will bolster the ranks of the club's six-tier, 16-team academy.

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Daniel Gudjohnsen, the son of former Barca and Chelsea striker Eidur, is among the new recruits registered by the Catalans. He has been assigned to Benjamin B, the second team of Barca's U10s age group at the revered La Masia academy.

But what about the other 74? What type of players are they and to which team have they been assigned? 

Also See:

Player distribution 

La Masia structure

Teams Age group
Primer Equipo - First team N/A
Barcelona B N/A
Juvenil - Youth 16-18
Cadete - Cadet 14-15
Infantil - Infant 13-14
Alevin - Novice 11-12
Benjamin 9-10

Positional breakdown

While it is uncertain whether any of these signings will progress through Barcelona's extensive academy into the first team, it is clear the club are trying to lay firm foundations for a prosperous future.

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