Football
Raising money in Barcelona. Who will the club’s management try to sell?
It is already an open secret that Catalonia’s Barcelona is in huge financial trouble. In the search for a solution, the option of selling some, perhaps even necessary, players from Ronald Koeman’s squad simply had to come up. Who are they and who is the Barcelona directive willing to sell?
It is already an open secret that Catalonia’s Barcelona is in huge financial trouble. In the search for a solution, the option of selling some, perhaps even necessary, players from Ronald Koeman’s squad simply had to come up. Who are they and who is the Barcelona directive willing to sell?
So far in this transfer window, Junior Firpo, Jean-Claire Todibo, Carles Alena, Juan Miranda, Matheus Fernandes, Monchu have left the Catalan capital, Francisco Trincao has gone on loan to Wolverhampton in England and currently Lionel Messi is still without a commitment.
Álex Collado
To the sadness of many supporters, Álex Collado is expected to join those listed above soon. The reserve captain from last season has let it be known that he does not want to return to the B-team and that he will fight for his place in the first team.
However, according to the latest reports, he rather failed to do so, or rather failed to convince coach Koeman to keep him in the squad for the upcoming season. Negotiations with Belgian Club Brugge are at an advanced stage.
Samuel Umtiti
French stopper Samuel Umtiti, who did not get a single minute of playing time in any of the preliminary matches, should also say goodbye to Barcelona. The Dutch manager has made it clear that he is no longer counting on him.
The departure of the 27-year-old defender would relieve the club’s wallet by €13 million a year. The interest in his services was mainly in the Premier League, specifically with London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.
Miralem Pjanic
A much-discussed name in connection with a possible departure. Pjanic clearly hasn’t received the kind of playing time he would have liked. He is now eyeing a possible return to Juventus Turin.
The Bosnian midfielder only arrived from the Old Lady’s squad last summer, but judging by his minutes and stats, an engagement at Camp Nou hasn’t been the right fit so far. Moreover, even at €6.5 million, he is putting a lot of pressure on the club’s already very tight budget.
Sergi Roberto
Another one who the management must at least consider leaving is La Masia’s Sergi Roberto, whose salary will add 10 million euros a year to the club’s coffers. Moreover, he is only under contract until next summer, so this year’s transfer seems to be almost the last chance to cash in on the 29-year-old.
Philippe Coutinho
The list goes on to former Liverpool speedster, Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian is still the most expensive transfer in Barcelona’s history, but for a lot of money there was little music.
Moreover, if he played more games in a Blaugranas jersey, the management directive would have to send another few million to Liverpool, as a bonus embedded in his contract. His annual wage is nearly 20 million euros.
Martin Braithwaite
The last footballer on the list will surely be Danish forward Martin Braithwaite. The richest footballer in the Barcelona cabinet arrived at Camp Nou last March, but with the arrival of Depay, Agüero and the pushing youngsters from the academy, there would probably be no room for him on the pitch. He earns €4 million a year in Catalonia.
Sources: Transfermarkt, Sport.es