As Barcelona continue to struggle with Financial Fair Play, it is understood that the team will have to go the extra mile and make one or more high-profile sales in order to get everything on track.
While Barcelona do have a few players on loan whose sale can address the issue to some extent, the fact that they need to lower €200 million from their wage bill is still something that will need extra effort.
Barcelona have an agenda ready for the summer. The likes of Inigo Martinez, Ilkay Gundogan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are being targeted, but before even thinking of making an approach, they must free up space on the wage bill. While they do not intend to sell any established players, things could change based on the situation.
Four names – Ansu Fati, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, and Eric Garcia – are seen as non-transferable by Barcelona. The plan is to stick with them, but the club might consider selling one of them if an extraordinary offer comes along the way, reports Roger Torello of Mundo Deportivo.
Ansu Fati – A great market opportunity
Ansu Fati has been the talk of the town of late and for all the wrong reasons. The father of the 20-year-old recently spoke at length about his son’s situation at the club, citing that he has advised the Spanish international to look for new avenues in the summer.
As it turns out, the attacker does not wish to move, but at the same time, Barcelona remain aware of the fact that he is a great market opportunity. It is being reported that Manchester United are quite interested in his acquisition and are even willing to spend a sizeable amount for that.
With his sale, Barcelona can generate a great income and thus, they will come closer to complying with the Fair Play rule.
Andreas Christensen – Irreplaceable for Xavi
Andreas Christensen has established himself as one of the regulars under Xavi. At this moment, the 26-year-old is simply an irreplaceable presence at the heart of the defence. But in the hour of need, Barcelona might consider using him to generate income.
He has a good market in the Premier League, where Newcastle United are keen. Considering that he arrived for free, his sale would mean a net income for the club. But, it will very much likely be a last resort, given his importance in the team.
Franck Kessie – In-demand across Europe
Over the last few months, Franck Kessie has earned Xavi’s trust, but it is evident that given the competition in midfield, the Ivory Coast international might not always be a regular starter. He has attracted a lot of interest, especially from Serie A and the Premier League.
As far as the player is concerned, he does not wish to leave in the summer, but if Barcelona fail to lower their wage bill, they might look to sell him for a sizeable fee.
Eric Garcia – The most viable solution
Eric Garcia was signed by Barcelona for free and over the last few months, the reliance on his services has only decreased. As a result, he has become more of an afterthought than an important component of the team.
Make no mistake, he adds value to the team as a great squad player but Barcelona will not think twice if an offer comes along in the summer, with Arsenal said to be interested.
