Barcelona failed to qualify for the Champions League after spending €153 million during the summer transfer window....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Fans seem to be evenly split on whether Xavi deserves to maintain his job as manager, but there are certain players who already have less rope to hang themselves with.
1. Raphinha
Raphinha, who moved from Leeds to the Camp Nou in July, cost Barca about €50 million. However, so far, the Brazilian has only produced one goal and one assist in 14 games across all competitions.
Ousmane Dembele, Ansu Fati, and Ferran Torres are also on Barcelona’s books, giving the club a plethora of options on the flanks.
At this rate, Barca might as well check to see if Chelsea are still interested in acquiring Raphinha’s services, despite the fact that they beat Chelsea to his signature earlier this summer.
2. Kessie
The Ivorian Franck Kessie may have only cost a signing on fee and salary compared to Raphinha who arrived for free from AC Milan, but the Ivorian’s effect has been negligible, as he has only started four games across all competitions.
Injuries haven’t helped the midfielder, but with Frenkie de Jong now on board and Gavi and Pedri – the past two Kopa Trophy winners – both given new contracts with €1 billion release clauses, Kessie’s route to future first-team presence is justified.
3. Pique
Gerard Pique has been one of the world’s top center-backs in his time, winning eight La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, and a World Cup with Spain, but Father Time is an unbeaten world champion, and at 35, Pique is losing that fight.
Pique seems to be slowing down in games, has apparently fallen out with Xavi, and with Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, and Jules Kounde still available, it is time to thank Pique for his service and move on.
4. Depay
Memphis Depay was expected to follow Philippe Coutinho and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of Camp Nou this summer, but he remained.
Barca don’t need him in the final third with Robert Lewandowski and co. A swap deal with Liverpool’s Bobby Firmino in January would be better than losing him on a free next summer.
5. Jordi Alba
Jordi Alba won most of the same titles as Pique with club and country, but he can’t keep Alex Balde out of the squad at left-back.
Like Pique, has a contract until 30 June 2024 and must be offloaded. Inter Milan showed interest in the summer.
