Barcelona look to be on course for another important summer transfer window. However, it’s unlikely to be potential arrivals that dominate the news, but rather those that could be leaving. The club’s precarious financial situation means that significant sales will be required, which has forced club officials to reconsider whether certain players are “non-transferable” or not.
The big news of the week has surrounded Frenkie de Jong. The Dutch midfielder is reportedly open to leaving Barcelona in the summer, and in turn, this has led the club to also consider a departure, especially as he would command a very high transfer fee.
Marca notes that de Jong is no longer considered as untouchable by Barcelona, who are also open to the likes of Raphinha, Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen. In total, there are 11 players that won’t be allowed to leave under any circumstances: Robert Lewandowski, Ilkay Gundogan, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Ferran Torres, Pedri, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Alejandro Balde, Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal – it’s also likely that Vitor Roque is included in this, although he’s probably excluded because he has only just joined.
10 of these are entirely understandable, but it is perhaps surprising that Lewandowski is included in this. He has been notably poor for Barcelona this season, and he’s unlikely to improve significantly between now and the end of his career, given that he is now 35.
As barca fan I don’t want de jong Frankie to leave barca
De Jong should stay, Lewandowski must go.
I’d like to see Christensen stay on. He’s a very solid defender and, although it’s early days, seems to also be able to step in at the pivot when needed and turn in a solid performance.
Kounde, for me, is the odd man out. He’s just not good enough at right back and he takes too many chances and makes too many mental mistakes when playing in central defense. Cubarsi can be given his minutes in the middle without any concern at all, and (perish the thought) the club can actually finally concentrate on solidifying the fullback positions with actual fullbacks that can play at the level needed. Cancelo is really the only world class fullback the club have at the moment, and that needs to change.