- 12 hours ago
The five Barcelona title winners set to leave this summer
Barcelona have won La Liga for the first time in four seasons.
The Catalans have endured something of a slump in recent years, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique, and Andres Iniesta all departing the side. Now they have reclaimed glory under Xavi, with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi leading them to glory.
You could argue that the best days are back for Barca - but of course it’s not as simple as that.
The club are in the midst of a financial dispute with La Liga, who say that they need to slash a huge sum off their expenditure.
La Liga president Javier Tebas said in February: “It [Barça’s wage bill] has to reduce about €200 million. The figure of €200 million is based on the information provided by FC Barcelona itself.”
It means that Barcelona, newly crowned champions, face the somewhat unprecedented task of league winners in stripping away a lot of their squad.
FootballTransfers takes a look at the some of the players who could well depart this summer window.
Sergio Busquets
The midfield veteran is still considering a move to the MLS as he enters the final few weeks of his contract. But reports are that Xavi would like him to put pen to paper and sign for another year.
Inaki Pena
Another whose deal is up in June - Inaki Pena has seen new contract talks stall and there does not seem to be any indication yet of a renewal.
The club and the player’s side have been in talks for months to extend his deal, but such discussions reached an impasse.
Gavi
Gavi was stripped of his contract and squad number as a court decision was reversed and Barcelona were unable to register him as a first-team player. It means that clubs could well swoop in and nab the midfielder on a free this summer transfer window - unless Barcelona free up the funds to keep him. Chelsea and others are interested.
Franck Kessie
Franck Kessie turned down the opportunity to reduce his salary at Barcelona, so it means that the side will look to ship him off in the summer window. AC Milan and Juventus have been linked, though his agent has been adamant that the 28-year-old will remain with his current side for the foreseeable, telling Calcio Mercato the rumours were false.
Raphinha
It’s been a decent season for Raphinha so far, but he’s not played as much as he would have liked. The winger has been linked back with a move to the Premier League. Newcastle are thought to be keen, but Barca may demand a high fee. It follows just a year in Spain at the Nou Camp for the former Leeds United ace.