10 Players You Didn't Know Barcelona Almost Signed

It's incredible to think that as recently as January, Barcelona celebrated the end of their FIFA imposed transfer ban by ratifying no fewer than 77 new signings. That's almost on a par with how many signings Tony Pulis traditionally makes on transfer deadline day. The ban was obviously a frustrating time for Barca, who had to watch on as some of their transfer targets slipped through their nets, but their registrations in January seem to suggest they're back in business with a bang. But of course this isn't the first time Barcelona have had to suffer through frustration in the transfer market. Down the years they have been linked with several names in various transfer windows only to see their targets come perilously close to sign before joining a rival or stay at their existing club at the last moment instead. How different the Catalan's history might have been if they had actually acquired some of the following players. We think a forward line of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is pretty dreamy, while a certain Italian legend and a future Real Madrid idol may also have moved to Catalonia only to end up elsewhere by circumstance. Here, we take a look at 10 Players You Didn't Know Barcelona Almost Signed...