Barcelona secretary promises 'big-name signings' are in the works

Barcelona's boardroom is working to broker some big deals for Ernesto Valverde's first season in charge of the Catalonian club, according to technical secretary Robert Fernandez.

The summer transfer tattle hasn't been selective so far - Cristiano Ronaldo, Alexis Sanchez, Robert Lewandowski, Dani Alves, and countless other huge names have featured prominently in recent days - but Barcelona has been notable by its almost-absence in the rumours.

But Fernandez allayed fears of another underwhelming window in Barca Magazine, stating that some significant improvements will be made to Valverde's squad.

"It goes without saying that we'll bolster the squad in the positions we need and that they'll be big-name signings," Fernandez said.

"The biggest difficulty we face is our own grandeur. A lot of players don't want to come here because they aren't sure they'll get much playing time. But we are very happy with the players that we signed last summer because they have all made big steps forward in their careers."

The elite buys of last year - Andre Gomes, Paco Alcacer, Samuel Umtiti, and Lucas Digne - didn't exactly set the world alight at the Camp Nou. Gomes in particular faced heavy criticism from fans.

Fernandez is confident that under Luis Enrique's successor the club is in safe and proven hands.

"It is never easy to coach at Olympiacos, a big team that always expects to win, and he did well there," Fernandez assessed of Valverde's two stints in Greece.

"Villarreal is the only club that has ever sacked him, but I have inside information on what really went on there, there were some small differences of opinion. Ernesto is a very loyal man to his clubs, but the most important thing is he's calm and knowledgeable. I'm sure he'll do a great job for the club."