Xavi wants to axe FOUR players from his Barca squad
Robin Bairner
- 20 Dec 2021 15:19 CST
- 3 min read
Barcelona head coach Xavi has pinpointed the four players he most wants off the club’s books in January.
The Catalans’ financial problems are well documented and are hampering their ability to sign players.
Cutting the wage bill significantly would be one major step to allow the club to add to their playing pool – and there are no shortage of players who could depart.
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It had previously been reported that Frenkie de Jong could be one player Barca would let go, but according to Mundo Deportivo, that club are willing to be patient with the Dutchman. They believe that once the form of the team improves, so too will De Jong’s level.
Meanwhile, there are four players – plus youngster Alex Collado, who will go to Granada on loan - who face the axe under Xavi.
Luuk de Jong
Undoubtedly the most obvious of the quartet, De Jong simply does not fit into Barcelona’s philosophy under Xavi. Although he is only fit centre forward at the club, the on-loan Sevilla player is not even close to getting a look in.
The odds are that he will move to Fenerbahce, though Mundo Deportivo suggests that Barca will have to pay to sever their side of the loan deal, which is clearly an impediment.
Philippe Coutinho
The Brazil international is on huge wages and has not matched those with his performances at any point during his stay with Barcelona.
He has been linked with a move back to the Premier League, where he once excelled with Liverpool. Newcastle have been linked with a move, though few clubs will be able to afford him.
Samuel Umtiti
Another player well out of the picture at Camp Nou, the World Cup winner’s form and fitness have collapsed in recent months.
He reportedly does not want to leave Barca, who pay him a healthy pay packet.
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An expensive backup in goal, the type of which Barcelona cannot afford at present. Marc-Andre ter Stegen is firmly first choice and having the 32-year-old Brazil international also on the books is eating valuable resources that could be used elsewhere in the squad.
