Barcelona are a team with high ambition this summer as Quique Setién proposes bringing in some players like Neymar and Lautaro Martínez. This, of course, comes with a rider that the team would let go of a number of their existing players. However, nobody could imagine that the number of players linked with a transfer away from the club would be this high.
Mundo Deportivo now states that the Catalan club could make as many as 11 of their players available in the market to fund a move for the superstars mentioned above. Here we take a look at each player and as to whether the club is right in making the decision in releasing them.
Arturo Vidal
The 32-year-old Chilean is definitely past his prime, and he does not have the same impact that he used to have a few years ago. Barcelona must look at greener pastures and integrate younger players into the team who can be the pillar of their midfield for a considerable period.
Samuel Umtiti
The centre-back has had some good times with Barcelona, but gradually Setién has made it clear that he prefers Lenglet to the French. If the manager does not see Umtiti as a long term option, there is no point hanging onto him.
Marc Cucurella
The 21-year-old Spanish left-back is on loan at Getafe, only to return at the end of the season. Cucurella is a versatile player who can also ply his trade as a wide midfielder, and the club would do well to keep patience with him and oversee his progress before making a decision.
Philippe Coutinho
Perhaps the biggest star on the list, Coutinho has been a decent player throughout his spell at Barcelona and Bayern. The only problem is that the Brazilian has not been able to justify the enormous price that Barcelona had shed out for him in 2018. If Newcastle United, equipped with their newfound wealth, comes poaching, there should not be any second thoughts about letting him go.
Jean-Clair Todibo
Another promising young player who is on loan at Schalke, Tobido has impressed the onlookers with his performances. The 20-year-old is also a versatile player, capable of occupying multiple positions on the field. The club would do well to have a player like him in their team for the cup matches or as a backup.
Ousmane Dembélé
His time with the Spanish giants has been marred with injuries. Dembélé neither justified the price tag on him nor has he been the player Barcelona could look up to in times of need. This summer could probably be the window when the French star finally ends his horrid time in Spain.
Arthur Melo
The Brazilian’s performances have been extremely decent for the club, and if given a chance in this team, Melo could prove to be a man for the long haul. However, Inter wants him, and given that the Italian club may insist upon including him in a deal for Martinez, Setién could have no other option but to let him go.
Nélson Semedo
Signed from Benfica in 2017, Semedo has so far played 71 league matches for the club. The right-back is known for his speed and ball control, but the gaffer can manage without him.
Emerson
Barca hold the transfer right for the right-back who dons a Betis shirt at the moment. This transfer would affect the side the least, considering he has never actually played for them since his move from Brazil in 2019.
Junior Firpo
The Spain U-21 signed from Betis last summer, and since then he has been used sparsely by Setién in the left-back position. Indeed a talented player, Barca can manage to live without him if the right offer comes.
Ivan Rakitic
His transfer story is making a few headlines as there is a tussle between the player and the club in connection to his proposed move to Sevilla. Rakitić has served the club well during his days, but it looks like his time is up at Camp Nou. He would be shipped out, rather sooner than later.
