With the managerial situation now resolved, Barcelona’s focus shifts to building a solid project for the upcoming season.
Needless to say, a large onus of the same falls on the upcoming summer transfer window and the acquisitions Barcelona make come June. That, in turn, depends directly on the sales the club can generate from the existing squad.
With Xavi now bearing in mind a fixed plan towards the future, the administration are in the process of identifying the players they could part ways with come June.
Achraf Ben Ayad brings some breaking news regarding the club’s stance on the same.
No longer untouchable
According to the ever-reliable journalist, four players who were considered untouchable to this point are no longer assured a place in the squad for next season.
The players in question are Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha and Ronald Araujo.
The Polish striker, given his age, could attract healthy offers from the Middle East and the US, and selling him for a decent sum would work out well for Barcelona who already boast a replacement in Vitor Roque.
His companion in attack, Raphinha, is a surprise inclusion on the list given his recent form. Needless to say, his sale will depend largely on the amount offered for his signing.
Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, has been touted as the number 1 target to leave in June considering the number of midfielders at Xavi’s disposal.
With Bayern Munich, PSG and Manchester United open admirers of the player, Barcelona can remain optimistic about his sale.
The final name, Ronald Araujo, has emerged as a candidate to leave after the rise of Pau Cubarsi.
The Uruguayan defender also has been a long-term target for Bayern Munich and could leave for a large fee should the board and manager deem it right.
Three targets
While it is unlikely that all four of the aforementioned players make a move away from Catalonia, Barcelona will look to make at least two big sales in June.
After all, the manager has pre-identified positions of concern with a pivot, an attacking midfielder and a left-winger on the club’s agenda.
Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi are well-placed targets to take over in deep midfield while Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva remains a target in the attacking midfield.
For the wing, Barcelona are looking towards Napoli superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Leroy Sane amongst others.
