The Catalan giants are looking to strengthen their squad but before that, they must sell players to and Ernesto Valverde has shortlisted three players.
Barcelona is currently sitting at the top of the table, nine points ahead of the second placed Atletico Madrid while being 14 points ahead of Real Madrid. Ernesto Valverde has already decided to let go of the fringe players when the transfer window opens next week. Talks around in the town have suggested that it was the striker Luis Suarez, who would be given the boot.
Denis Suarez too was reported to have been searching for clubs to get regular game-time. At Barcelona, the 23-year-old midfielder is finding game-time hard to come by. According to Spanish outlet Don Balon, Arda Turan heads the list for people heading out from Camp Nou.
Arda Turan is on the top of the list:
SPORT: Arda Turan could seal a move to Besiktas in the coming days. Arda & Besiktas are set to reach a deal according to various Turkish media sources. pic.twitter.com/sTaywxu4Mx
— BarcelonaBoy (@iBarcelonaBoy) December 26, 2017
The Turkish midfielder has not played a single minute this season at Camp Nou. Turan is currently unhappy with the way Valverde has been treating him since the start of the season. While the fringe players such as Thomas Vermaelen have got the chance to prove himself at the club, Turan has not got a single opportunity to prove his worth. Turkish clubs Besiktas and Galatasaray are leading the race to sign the midfielder.
Rafinha too has not played not a part in the campaign. However, the reason behind his has been the injury that the Brazilian endured last season. Rafinha is desperate to get into the Brazilian national team on their flight to Russia for the World Cup. However, with the limited opportunities his chances are fading as every day passes.
Great news – @Rafinha is ready for his Barça return! 🙌
Here’s what we can look forward to… pic.twitter.com/roKUdcoorU— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 18, 2017
Gerard Deulofeu is the final man considered to be given the axe, report Don Balon. The Spanish winger is likely heading out to the Italian capital Milan to join Inter over their rivals AC. The three departures would free up a big chunk of wages for Valverde to reinvest in the squad.
Author’s take:
With the mid-season transfer set to open, it looks like Ernesto Valverde is right in selling Arda Turan to Turkey. Not only it would reduce the massive wages that the Turk is getting at Camp Nou, but it would also reduce a player, which would allow Barcelona to complete one of their transfer targets.
However, it looks less likely that Valverde wants to see Rafinha as the Brazilian midfielder has proved from time to time that he could score the important goals for the Catalan club. The rumor mills have churned rumors, which in this case is not true with the Brazilian midfielder. The Spanish winger Deulofeu has been Valverde’s favorite and will not move away from the Spanish club.
