Five players Barcelona could look to offload in the summer — Opinion

The upcoming summer transfer window promises an exciting new chapter for Barcelona. With the anticipation of Xavi’s successor being announced during this period, the team’s management is gearing up to adapt the squad to the new leadership.

Barcelona President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco will face significant challenges in managing player departures.

The squad is already oversized, posing concerns not only for Financial Fair Play compliance but also for adhering to La Liga’s salary cap regulations.

As a result, substantial sales are expected, particularly involving players who have seen limited game time this season or hold marginal importance to the team.

Additionally, there may be opportunities to generate significant revenue by offloading a few high-value assets.

Furthermore, the club will need to address the situation of players currently on loan. Even upon their return at the season’s end, many of them may not feature prominently in the team’s plans, necessitating decisions about their future within the squad.

In essence, the summer transfer window will be a crucial period for Barcelona, marked by the appointment of a new manager and the need to streamline the squad to comply with financial regulations while optimizing team performance.

On that note, it is only logical to look at certain players who might not have a future at Barcelona next season.

Sergino Dest

Sergino Dest resurrected his career upon moving to PSV Eindhoven at the beginning of the season.

The United States full-back had a disappointing tenure in Milan last season, making a mere 14 appearances which more or less marked the end of his Barcelona tenure as well.

This season, however, the former Ajax right-back has played 33 matches for PSV, scoring two goals and providing six assists.

For what it is worth, Dest is averaging more than 80 minutes per match with the Dutch team, meaning that they are extremely happy with his output. 

This has led to the suggestion that PSV might as well be interested in acquiring his services, something that aligns perfectly with Barcelona’s plan for the player, as they are willing to let him leave as well.

If everything goes as planned, the 23-year-old can bring in decent revenue at the club.

Clement Lenglet

It is no secret that Clement Lenglet has no future at Barcelona. The former Sevilla defender is enjoying life at Aston Villa on loan and the Premier League side is very much interested in his permanent acquisition. 

Interestingly, Barcelona chose not to push for a sale during the January transfer window despite being unhappy with Lenglet’s limited playing time at Aston Villa. 

However, since then, the Frenchman has impressed Unai Emery and earned a spot in the starting lineup as the team aims for Champions League qualification. With Lenglet now a regular starter, Barcelona believe Villa will want to keep him permanently.

Aston Villa might want to sign Clement Lenglet permanently. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Although the current loan agreement doesn’t allow for a purchase option, Barcelona are eager to sell the 28-year-old to raise funds.

Talks between the clubs are set to begin, with Villa even suggesting extending the loan. 

Lenglet’s contract with Barcelona runs until 2026, and there’s a possibility of compromising on his valuation to around €6m to facilitate his departure. Both sides seem prepared to negotiate a deal that suits their interests.

Oriol Romeu

Romeu started the season on fire, showing great promise. However, his recent relegation to a backup role is a significant setback. 

At 32, he was brought in to fill Sergio Busquets’ shoes, and initially, it seemed like a smart move. But as Romeu began to squander his chances, Xavi had to change his plans.

The midfielder signed a contract until 2026, giving Barcelona the option to make a good profit if they decide to sell him.

For now, Barcelona have been eyeing a new pivot for the next season, which could further diminish Romeu’s chances of regular playtime.

Realistically, a permanent departure in the summer seems like the best solution for everyone involved as Romeu doesn’t seem to have the trust of the board, and finding a new opportunity might be the best move for his career.

Eric Garcia

Centre-back Eric Garcia pushed for an exit last summer after realising that finding a place within the first-team roster would be next to impossible. 

This is why as soon as Girona came calling, the former Manchester City defender did not think twice.

Interestingly, the move has worked wonders for everyone involved as Garcia has played almost 2000 minutes for Girona across 24 matches.

This means the defender is averaging a little more than 80 minutes per match, laying the sheer importance within Michel’s blueprint. 

Eric Garcia has done well at Girona. (Photo by PAU BARRENA/AFP via Getty Images)

As a result, it is only logical to think that fellow La Liga side might as well try to acquire him on a permanent deal since they know Garcia will not have much minutes at Barcelona next season. 

Within the Blaugrana management, it will only be fair for everyone involved to part ways mostly because at Girona, Garcia will continue to have importance and this means cash flowing in within the Barcelona accounts.

Andreas Christensen

Andreas Christensen will be a profitable sale for Barcelona. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

As mentioned, Barcelona might have to sell key players this summer and one name that’s been floating around is Andreas Christensen. There are a few reasons behind this possibility that make sense.

Firstly, the emergence of Pau Cubarsi as he is likely to get more playing time in the starting lineup next season. This would naturally squeeze out other defenders, potentially including Christensen. 

When comparing Christensen to players like Cubarsi and Ronald Araujo, any manager would likely favour the Spaniard or the Uruguayan due to their established importance within the team.

Secondly, Christensen’s stint as Barcelona’s main central defensive midfielder isn’t expected to last long.

The club is reportedly looking to bring in a new pivot, which would likely push Christensen down the pecking order. 

If he stays, he might have to settle for a lesser role within the squad. Lastly, if Barcelona does decide to sell Christensen, they could fetch a significant sum due to his increasing market value. 

His prior experience in the English Premier League would also make him an attractive prospect for potential buyers. Hence, selling him could bring in some much-needed revenue for the club.