An important seasons lies ahead for Barcelona.

Although the Blaugrana have maintained domestic dominance in recent years - winning three of the last four La Liga titles and four consecutive Copa del Rey wins - there influence on the European stage has waned since their 2015 victory.

To make matters worse, their lack of success in the Champions League has been met with a glut of wins from Real Madrid who have topped four of the last five tournaments. 

The gradual splintering of the legendary Pep Guardiola team has seen Barcelona struggle in the past few seasons and has forced the club to spend more than usual.

While massive transfer fees used to be associated with Real, Barcelona have now splashed the cash with the dramatic purchases of Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho.

Barcelona's potential XI

And although that seems a departure from routine and tradition, it does mean that Ernesto Valverde is gradually building an enviable squad.

That spending looks set to continue this summer and maybe, just maybe, it could produce that first Champions League victory since 2015.

As way of judging for yourselves, take a look at how Barcelona could line-up next season and it sends quite the message for a Real side deprived of Cristiano Ronaldo. Here's the hypothetical team below:

GK - Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Who else? The German shot stopper has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world in recent years and Barcelona have no need to replace him between the sticks.

RB - Nelson Semedo

Although there's a debate between Semedo and Sergi Roberto, many Barcelona fans prefer the Portuguese option and he amassed 36 appearances last season.

CB - Clement Lenglet/Samuel Umtiti

On paper, you would favour Umtiti in Barcelona's back four but the Blaugrana have an enviable contender for his place in the form of Lenglet. He moved from Sevilla to the Nou Camp this summer to the tune of €35 million and amid interest from Manchester United.

CB - Gerard Pique

Still one of the best centre-backs in the business, Pique has established himself as a Barcelona legend and will look to keep his place in the team next season.

LB - Jordi Alba

There's not too much change in the Barcelona back-four with Alba entering his seventh season at the club looking to maintain his place at left-back.

CM - Arthur/Thiago Alcantara

Here's where things get exciting. Arthur was signed by Barcelona this summer after months of speculation and arrives in Spain with hefty praise as well as a seal of approval from Xavi himself.

Then there's former Barcelona midfielder Thiago, who has been heavily linked with a return to Catalunya this summer and the players themselves are believed to favour the deal.

CM - Sergio Busquets/Ivan Rakitic

Two absolute staples and warriors in the Barcelona midfield that just couldn't go without mentioning and it would come as little surprise if both players maintained a starting place.

CM - Philippe Coutinho/Adrien Rabiot

Coutinho has been deployed in a number of positions since his high-profile move from Liverpool and will be looking to kick on at Barcelona throughout 2018-19.

And then there's Rabiot, who has been regularly linked with an exit from Paris Saint-Germain this summer and would prove an enviable addition to the Barcelona squad.

RW - Willian/Ousmane Dembele

Barcelona launched their third bid for Willian on Thursday night - totally £57 million - and Valverde is believed to be quite an admirer of the Brazilian. He could prove the perfect man to provide competition for Dembele.

As for Dembele himself, the Frenchman disappointed supporters in his debut season but has plenty of talent to turn things around in 2018/19.

CF - Lionel Messi

Ever heard of this guy? Barcelona could sign any player on the planet and we're not sure they'd pick anybody over Messi in this position.

LW - Luis Suarez

Suarez hasn't enjoyed the greatest of fortunes in a wider position for Barcelona yet there are few footballers who can make such an impact on his day. If Suarez can put his 2017-18 form behind him, Barcelona's front three could look unstoppable.