After a shaky start to the 2019-20 campaign, Barcelona are currently on the top of the league table, ahead of Real Madrid by 2 points. Many players have been struggling with their form and Setien hasn't really impressed so far. Once football resumes, Barcelona will be in dire need of funds. They need to sell some out of favour players and promote youngsters to the first team.
Barcelona's midfield next season is going to be overcrowded with more than ten options in the midfield. The Catalan club will have Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie De Jong, Arturo Vidal, Ivan Rakitic, Arthur Melo, Carles Alena, Riqui Puig, Francisco Trincao, Matheus Fernandes, Rafinha and Coutinho at their disposal next season. They have so many options for just three spots in the midfield. Apart from them some players have been disappointing for the Catalans. This is why the club’s management should not hold back in taking strong decisions in the upcoming transfer window.
Barcelona needs to start trimming the squad and needs to find suitors for the fringe players.
So without further ado, let’s take a look at the five Barcelona players that should be sold in the upcoming transfer window:
5. Carles Alena:
The Masia graduate was loaned to Real Betis in the winter transfer window after not getting ample opportunities to play in the first half of the season. He's set to return to Barcelona in the summer. Alena impressed for the B team but he hasn't been able to establish himself as a regular in the first team and this summer would be an ideal time to cash in on him.
La Liga stats so far (2019/20)
Appearances: 12
No goal contributions this season so far
4. Arturo Vidal
The 33-year-old Chilean International has been a regular figure in the squad since his arrival at Barcelona in 2018. He hasn't been a regular starter for the Catalans and has just 8 starts in La Liga so far. He also has a big salary which the club would like to get rid of. Several clubs are interested and Barcelona should profit from selling him.
La Liga stats so far (2019/20)
Appearances: 22
Goals: 6
Assists: 2
3. Samuel Umtiti
The French defender fell out of favour at the Camp Nou after his injury in 2018. Clement Lenglet has been getting constant playing time and has risen above the pecking order to start alongside Pique at the back. He has just 7 starts this season so far. Despite Umtiti struggling with his form and injuries, there are several suitors who are ready to sign him up.
La Liga stats so far (2019/20)
Appearances: 11
No goal contributions this season so far
2. Ivan Rakitic
Ivan Rakitic has been an issue for the Catalans this season. He's ageing and his huge salary is a problem. Sevilla have reportedly been interested in him but they're not ready to pay for transfer money. The 32-year-old Croatian midfielder has been a good servant for the club. But his performance this season hasn't been as good as it was till last season. He is slow and has been criticised for the lack of creativity in the midfield. Barcelona have better young prospects waiting for their opportunities and there's no need for an ageing player with such high wages.
La Liga stats so far (2019/20)
Appearances: 21
Assists: 3
1.Philipe Coutinho
Coutinho was loaned to Bayern for one season and an option to buy. But it looks like he's set to return to Camp Nou at the end of the season as Bayern aren't willing to pay for him. When asked about Coutinho, Setien said that he counts on him next season in the midfield. But, the Catalans will prefer to sell him if a club is ready to offer the asking price. Chelsea & Newcastle United have been showing interest in him and if anyone is ready to pay, he's off. Coutinho's stay at Barcelona has been frustrating for both him and the club. It's high time, Barcelona cashes in on him.
Bundesliga stats so far (2019/20)
Appearances: 22
Goals: 8
Assists: 6
