Now that Barcelona are practically out of the title race, Joan Laporta and the board are planning a revamp of the squad. A double digit number of players are set to be shown the door.
Before the final two matchdays, Ronald Koeman’s men are five points away from the title. That has convinced Joan Laporta and the newly elected board of directors that the squad needs a overhaul. Mundo Deportivo are reporting that the club are looking to get rid of up to 14 players of the current first team squad. That could either be in form of a loan, sale, or simply a termination of the contract.
The list includes players fans will be happy to see leave, such as Coutinho, Umtiti, Neto, Matheus, Pjanic, Braithwaite and Junior Firpo. Loan deals could also be an option as the main goal is to reduce the wage bill on players that’s not contributing.
Barcelona could be looking to complete deals similar to that of the Arthur/Pjanic swap deal last summer. That way you get an inflated sum of income to make the accounts reach profit. As all outgoing spendings are spread across the duration of the players contract, while the entire flow of incoming cash is immediate income.
Who’s coming in?
While they’re looking to get rid of the deadwood, Barcelona are also looking to make some signings themselves. It’s been a badly kept secret that Eric Garcia will sign for free from Manchester City as soon as the current season finishes. Gini Wijnaldum has also been a favorite of Ronald Koeman, and is reportedly still on the table.
Up front, Martin Braithwaite is expected to leave the club. As replacements, Barcelona have been chasing Memphis Depay and Sergio Agüero, who will both be free agents by the end of the season. Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday that the Argentine has his sights set on Barcelona and is also willing to take a wage cut.
