Pruning the Squad: Players Barcelona Should Consider Parting Ways With in the Summer

As Barcelona faces the aftermath of back-to-back defeats, discussions around a potential summer overhaul have gained momentum. Identifying players who may no longer align with the club’s future vision, here’s a breakdown of those who might be shown the door:

1. Marcos Alonso:

• Pros: Displays a commendable finishing ability and versatility.
• Cons: Struggles with consistency; contract set to expire; currently injured.

2. Sergi Roberto:

• Pros: A loyal servant to the club for nearly two decades; former club captain.
• Cons: Declining performance; injury history; lacks consistency; contract expires next year.

3. Oriol Romeu:

• Pros: Impressive start to the season; provides a rotational option; hailed as a leader by Xavi.
• Cons: Struggles to fill Sergio Busquets’ shoes; prone to errors; contract until 2026.

4. Ansu Fati:

• Pros: Showed promise upon breaking into the first team; has the potential for outrageous goals.
• Cons: Suffered a significant injury in 2020; lacking speed and ruthlessness; inconsistent performance.

5. Loanee Defenders (Lenglet, Garcia, Dest):

• Pros: Solid defensive options; potential for handsome transfer fees.
• Cons: Not meeting the required level for Barcelona; prone to errors; potential Umtiti-like situation.

6. Raphinha:

• Pros: Impressive assists record; showcases effort for improvement.
• Cons: Struggles with finishing chances; underwhelming goal tally; pressure to perform.

While these assessments provide a critical perspective, the decisions surrounding these players hinge on their performances and contributions in the coming months. The summer transfer window might see Barcelona shaping a squad that aligns more closely with their ambitions. The article also touches upon Ferran Torres, acknowledging his value as a quality squad player with injury resilience.