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The Barcelona superstars reportedly heading for the exit

Tom Dunstan in Editorial, La Liga, Transfer News & Rumours 23 Aug 2020

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With their embarrassing 8-2 Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich still firmly in the memory of many around Catalonia, it is no surprise that Barcelona have already started on quite the rebuilding process.

Partying ways with both now-former Head Coach Quique Setien and sporting director Eric Abidal last week, the hugely popular Ronald Koeman has been brought in and many are expecting an eventful summer at the Nou Camp.

While Koeman might have made it clear that Lionel Messi is still a key part of his plans after leaving his role as Dutch National Team boss, who are the Barca superstars likely to be on their way out?

Luis Suarez

While Luis Suarez might have managed to enjoy an end of season purple patch after having the enforced break to recover from a knee injury, many, including club president Josep Bartomeu, feel that the former Liverpool strikers time at the Nou Camp has drawn to a close.

Now 33 and having been dealt a string of injury blows over the past 18 months, Bartomeu recently outlined the eight players who would not be leaving Catalonia this summer and Suarez was the most notable name missing from that list.

While the veteran striker might have made it clear that he wants to extend his stay with the recently relinquished La Liga champions, Suarez stated over the weekend that he is yet to speak with Koeman, something that appears to be an ominous sign.

In a tenure at the Nou Camp that has seen him lift five domestic crowns, The Sun are reporting that former club Ajax have made a £13.5million bid for their one-time starlet.

Recording 21 goals on both La Liga and Champions League duties over this year’s prolonged campaign, Suarez previously helped the Dutch giants claim the Eredivisie title back in 2011 and there is no doubt that Barcelona would be willing to allow the 33-year-old to move on this summer.

Sergio Busquets

While Sergio Busquets might have found himself once again included in Spain’s National Team squad over the weekend, there still remains a string of questions surrounding his future at Barcelona.

Although the World Cup-winner might have been a vital part of Barca’s glory years and their rise to becoming one of football’s most feared sides, many around the Nou Camp feel that his performances have dropped over the past two years and The Daily Mail are reporting that the central midfielder will be informed by Koeman that he is not part of his plans next season.

With many feeling that their aging midfield played a huge part in their 8-2 embarrassment against Bayern Munich earlier in the month, Barca recruited Frenkie de Jong last year and feel that a more youthful direction is the route that Koeman needs to go in.

With the former Ajax starlet already previously working under his new boss with the Dutch National Team, Koeman has already potentially identified another homegrown star who could be his top target to replace the 32-year-old Busquets this summer.

Speaking about his admiration for Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, someone he famously has a close relationship with, the 29-year-old sees his deal at Anfield end next year and The Metro have suggested that Koeman is keen on bringing Wijnaldum with him to Spain this summer.

Jordi Alba

Shipping eight against Bayern and showing a string of continued defensive issues during Setien’s tenure in the Nou Camp dugout, it was no surprise that Koeman would be looking to undergo a real clear out at the back this summer.

Although there still remains huge question marks over Samuel Umtiti’s future in Spain, The Daily Mail are reporting that Koeman has opened the door to another superstar leaving in order to adjust their wage bill.

While he might have firmly cemented his spot as a fan favourite during his glittering eight-year stay in Catalonia, Jordi Alba could find his days at the Nou Camp limited with Koeman already casting his eyes elsewhere.

More speculation was thrown over Alba’s future this summer with the news that Barcelona have identified Manchester City’s Angelino as a potential target over the coming months.

Sky Sports are reporting that the rebuilding Spanish giants have held initial talks with the Premier League outfit over a possible £27million move for the left-back who helped RB Leipzig reach the semi-finals of this year’s Champions League.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Dunstan


Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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