Barcelona are one of the clubs who will be contenders for this year’s Champions League trophy. Spain’s dominant force has been completely opposite on the continental stage. The Catalans have had to face elimination from the competition on three consecutive occasions from the quarter finals.
Ernesto Valverde is expected to once again give priority to Europe’s prestigious prize. The former Athletic Bilbao manager is ready to make changes to the squad. The operation of changing the roster has already been commenced with the arrivals of Arthur Melo and Clement Lenglet for a total sum of £50 million.
The exits of many have been speculated from Barcelona. Express UK has reported that as many as seven players could depart Catalonia this summer. The first and certain of those names is Andre Gomes.
Having struggled at Barcelona for two whole seasons, it is best for him to move on. Barcelona will definitely cash in on him. Aleix Vidal is another name. Since suffering a major injury to his foot in 2016/17, Vidal has been subpar for his club. As a result, Nelson Semedo and Sergi Roberto are ahead of him in the pecking order.
The former Sevilla man could leave in search of more playing time. Rafinha Alcantara is on loan at Inter Milan. He may well be out of Barcelona permanently for his own good. Similar to Vidal, he served a six month layoff through injury and never found his feet again. Paco Alcacer could follow his midfield partners Gomes and Rafinha.
The Spaniard has never been Valverde’s favourite and things aren’t expected to change. It suits Paco to find new pastures. Jeremy Mathieu is now on loan at Sporting Lisbon. He has been subject to hatred and poor treatment by the club.
That has caused discontent and he could be another major name who leaves the Camp Nou. One of Yerry Mina and Thomas Vermaelen are also sure to leave. Including the pair, Barcelona have five centre backs who will be trimmed to four.
Mina has received offers after an impressive World Cup and is willing to consider. Youth products Sergi Samper and Marlon Santos will also leave the club, however, a buyback clause can be expected in their deals.
Apart from just the exodus of the fringe players, Barcelona have been linked with a wide number of stars in and out of Spain who could come in. Paul Pogba, N’Golo Kante, Willian, Steven N’Zonzi and Adrien Rabiot are just a few names in a list which extends every week.
