After a shaky start to the 2020-21 La Liga campaign, Barcelona managed to bounce back and put some pressure on league leaders Atletico Madrid. However, it all went in vain as they lost some easy fixtures in the end and Barcelona will have to end the season with just one trophy – the Copa del Rey. Many players at the club have been struggling with their form. The Catalans are in a dire need of funds. They need to sell some out of favour players and promote youngsters to the first team. Some players have been disappointing and the club’s management should not hold back in taking strong decisions in the upcoming transfer window.
Barcelona needs to start trimming the squad and needs to find suitors for the fringe players. So without further ado, let’s take a look at the five Barcelona players that should be sold in the upcoming transfer window:
1. Samuel Umtiti
The French defender has become undesirable at Camp Nou after his injury in 2018. Lenglet has been getting consistent playing time and has transcended the hierarchy by playing alongside Pique and Araujo. The out of favour Frenchman has only 6 starts this season up until now. Regardless of Umtiti battling with his injuries, there are a few admirers who are willing to sign him up.
2. Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian winner joined the Catalans in the 2018 winter transfer window. However, his stint at the club has been nothing short of woeful. After a disappointing campaign in 2018-19, he was shipped out on loan to Bayern, where he won the treble. But the German club was unwilling on spending on him and he came back to Barcelona earlier this season. He has missed a major part of this season due to a meniscus injury and his return is unknown. The Catalans will prefer to sell him if a club is ready to offer the asking price. Many clubs have been showing interest in him and if anyone is ready to pay, he's off. Coutinho's stay at Barcelona has been frustrating for both him and the club. It's high time, Barcelona cashes in on him.
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3. Miralem Pjanic
The Bosnian midfielder arrived at the Camp Nou in a swap deal involving Arthur. However, he has barely played this season and has just 6 starts this season. His high salary and age are a problem and that is why the Catalans should cash in on him.
4. Martin Braithwaite
The Danish striker was an emergency signing for Barcelona last season when they were struggling with injuries. Many said that Braithwaite will turn out to be a flop but Braithwaite has been a good squad player and has given his best whenever on the pitch. He has four goal contributions this season from 11 starts. But with Aguero and Depay arriving, he should be sold for the right price.
5. Antoine Griezmann
The French forward had a disappointing first season with Barcelona as he was often played out of position by Valverde and Setien. However, he has been impressive this season as he managed 12 goals and seven assists in La Liga. But his huge salary is a big problem for Barcelona. If he doesn’t agree to a pay cut in the summer, the club may be forced to sell him to get rid of the high wages. With Depay arriving, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to sell him.
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