FC Barcelona are facing the most crucial transfer window in decades this summer. With the Camp Nou giants only having three untouchable players in their squad (Lionel Messi, Marc Andre Ter Stegen and Frenkie de Jong), it is anyone’s guess as to what the future will bring to the rest of the team.
There’s no two ways about it, as we have argued at The Barcelona Podcast for almost three years now: The current Barca squad have far too many ageing, injury-prone or simply below-standard players.
Because not many La Masia graduates have been truly trusted lately, there just hasn’t been enough young blood coming through. Combine this with poor performances from the vast majority of signings in recent years, and the result is clear: A short Barcelona squad that doesn’t have the necessary stamina, freshness and depth to compete with Europe’s best in the final third of the season.
With the Blaugranes hoping to sign either Lautaro Martinez or Neymar this summer despite having almost no cash in the bank to pay for their transfer, the only option is selling current players to fund this.
As reported in the Catalan media, the club are willing to part ways with Nelson Semedo (€50 million), Junior Firpo (€30M), Jean Clair Todibo (€25M), Rafinha (€16M), Arturo Vidal (€15M) and Moussa Wague (€8M). Interestingly, Ivan Rakitic wasn’t included in that list, but it is believed the Croatian would be allowed to leave for offers around €20M.
As I explained in much more depth in out latest The Barcelona Podcast, I strongly believe that selling Philippe Coutinho for at least €70M is both realistic and absolutely necessary for Barcelona’s finances. Without first offloading the Brazilian and his hefty wage, it will be almost impossible for the board to bring any new world-class talents to the Camp Nou this summer.
Selling Coutinho would also enable Barca to allow yet another season for Ousmane Dembele to finally prove his worth if, as must be the case, he can stay away from constant injuries once and for all.
I also believe in the potential of several La Masia youngsters who are ready to make the jump to the first team – Listen now:
