Barcelona planning for a major squad overhaul ahead of next season.
Barcelona are reportedly gearing towards a major squad overhaul after a horrendous season, which saw them lose their dominance in La Liga and another humiliation in the Champions League.
Here we take a look at the players who are likely to stay and to be sold this summer.
Untouchables
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has recently confirmed that the club will undergo a rebuilding process under the new manager Ronald Koeman while naming some of the players as untouchables.
Without a doubt, Lionel Messi tops the list of the players that wouldn’t be transferred this summer. Although rumours are linking him with an exit from the Nou Camp, Bartmou remains confident that he will retire in the Blaugrana colours. The Argentine skipper is yet to renew his contract, with his current deal expiring in 2021.
Frenkie de Jong, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Clement Lenglet, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele are other players who have been deemed not to be transferred.
Bartomeu also hinted that Philippe Coutinho could survive in Barcelona next season if he fits in the plans of Koeman.
Ansu Fati and Riqui Puig are likely to continue their development with the first team as they had an impressive season last term.
Barca seem to be working on a new deal for Nelson Semedo, who they cite as a long-term solution to the right-back slot. Sergi Roberto and veteran Sergio Busquets are expected to be with the first team next season.
Players likely to be sold
Luis Suarez
The Uruguayan striker is no longer the solution for Barca’s long-term plans after enduring back-to-back substandard seasons. Ajax are keen on reuniting with Suarez, who has a contract running until next summer.
Samuel Umtiti
The French defender has become injury-prone over the course, failing to make his presence felt with the first-team. Lenglet looks to have cemented his place in the defence, and there are fewer chances for Umtiti to survive next season.
Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal
The midfield duo had gained more preference under then-manager Quique Setien last season but are said to be not in the plans of the Blaugrana going forward. Vidal has been linked with a move to Serie A Champions Juventus as Andrea Pirlo wants to reunite with the Chilean midfielder. Meanwhile, Sevilla is turning out to be the potential suitors for Rakitic.
