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Barcelona Brutally Leave Two Players Without Squad Numbers Ahead Of New Season

Barcelona Brutally Leave Two Players Without Squad Numbers Ahead Of New Season

Ronald Koeman has already decided these two are out of his plans.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

Barcelona pair Rafinha and Jean-Clair Todibo have been left without squad numbers ahead of the club's return to action.

The Catalan giants start their La Liga season on Sunday when they welcome Villarreal to the Camp Nou.

But Rafinha and Todibo won't feature and per Jornada Perfecta, their futures lie away from Ronald Koeman's side

Rafinha spent last season on loan at Celta Vigo, while Todibo joined German outfit Schalke on loan in January.

Image
PA


Image
PA

Other notable numbers are Ansu Fati who is now number 22 after the departure of Arturo Vidal and Carles Alena, who has taken the number six.

New signing Miralem Pjanic is number eight while youngsters Pedri and Francisco Trincao will be given 16 and 17 respectively.

20-year-old Todibo has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers keen.

Koeman is keen to put his own stamp on Barcelona and as well as Vidal, Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez have departed after years of service.

Rakitic has re-joined former side Sevilla while Suarez is joining Atletico Madrid.

Suarez gave an emotional farewell to the club on Thursday and admitted "an era is over."

"When the club says it doesn't need you anymore, you have to accept it," the 33-year-old begun per SI.

"But it takes a while, it's difficult. Your family is involved, you've gone through a lot with the club. So it's difficult to accept that you are leaving, but you have to. It's the reality, it's how things are in football.

"This is very hard for me. It wasn't expected, I didn't have anything prepared," he continued. "It's been many years, I've made many friends, that makes me happy.

"When Barcelona told me that I wasn't needed anymore, I received several calls from other clubs.

"I felt that I was still able to play in a club that could compete against Madrid and Barcelona. I'm going to a very competitive team that can achieve a lot."

Featured Image Credit: PA Images & Barcelona/Twitter

Topics: Football News, Football, Barcelona, Transfers, La Liga