Barcelona 'will be forced' to sell several star players as La Liga issue €200 million ultimatum

Barcelona could be forced to sell some of their biggest names in the summer, as they have to trim over €200 million from their wages.

No one needs an introduction to Barcelona's financial problems, that have haunted them for a number of years and led to the departure of Lionel Messi.

More recently their finances caused a delay in being able to register Gavi as a senior player, leaving his release clause at a lowly €50 million and forcing him to wear a much higher squad number.

They also struggled to land a transfer deadline day deal because they couldn't afford to add an obligation to buy a player on the end of a loan deal.

They did also miss out on another move at the end of the window, but that was due to a computer issue meaning the paperwork went in 18 seconds too late.

Barca's problems aren't expected to get any better any time soon, especially after missing out on the latter stages of the Champions League in the past two years.

And, according to Mundo Deportivo, they will be forced to reduce their wage bill by over €200 million in the summer, to be in line with La Liga regulations.

That will likely mean selling some of their big earners, whilst Sergio Busquets could also leave when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.

Xavi could be forced to sell players this summer. Image: Alamy

The report also mentions Sergi Roberto as a player who could leave, with his contract expiring, but Fabrizio Romano reports he is set to sign a new deal at the Nou Camp.

Instead the news could alert Premier League clubs interested in bringing Franck Kessie in, after the midfielder moved to Xavi's side from AC Milan just last summer.

The Ivorian attracted interest from all over but chose to move to Barca, however he was linked with a move away in January, with Inter Milan interested in a swap deal.

Kessie has only started two La Liga games so far this season and so could be an ideal candidate to be sold, although he's not the only one.

Manchester United were desperate to sign Frenkie de Jong last year and Erik ten Hag is unlikely to be put off by his fellow Dutchman's refusal to move to Old Trafford at that point.

Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati are also mentioned as players who could depart, and the latter in particular would be of interest to many, including Arsenal.