5 players who could leave Barcelona in the summer
Barcelona are slowly getting into the groove on the pitch, but things off it are far from settled. The Catalan side are still looking to balance their books, but with new sponsors coming in, they could be back to normal in no time.
Xavi has done a fine job since coming, and with the recent signings, the club are getting the results going their way. The squad now has a perfect mix of youth and experience, and they are very likely to finish in the top-four – something that seemed highly unlikely to happen after their start to the season.
They are likely to let go of a few players before bringing in more fresh faces. Here are 5 Barcelona players who could leave in the summer:
#5 - Memphis Depay
Memphis Depay was signed on a free contract – a year after trying to get him from Lyon. The Catalan side were desperate for him to replace Luis Suarez but could not manage to get the deal over the line because of financial reasons.
Fast forward almost two years, and the striker is no longer needed at the club. Xavi prefers using Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Luuk de Jong as his forwards.
PSV are leading the chase to sign Depay as per Voetbal Primeur. The Dutchman played for the Eredivise side before moving to Manchester United.
As for Barcelona, they are looking to sign Edinson Cavani on a free transfer in the summer. The Uruguayan will become a free agent after his contract at Manchester United expires.
#4 - Sergi Roberto (Barcelona academy product)
Xavi is keen to keep Sergi Roberto at Barcelona, but he is yet to pen a new deal. The versatile player has his contract expiring at the end of the season, and the club are in no position to begin talks yet.
The manager has openly asked the club to renew Roberto's contract, but the club's position remains unchanged. Xavi recently said:
"Sergi Roberto is an important player and I have transmitted that to the club."
Barcelona have Sergino Dest as their main right-back right now, with Dani Alves as the backup.
The Catalan side are looking to reduce their wage bill, and if Roberto is unwilling to accept the new deal put on his table, they are open to letting him walk away for free.
Arsenal are said to be interested in signing the Spaniard in the summer but are yet to make a move.