Xavi Wants Seven Players Sold As Part Of Major Barcelona Clear Out

Barcelona manager Xavi has told the club to sell seven players after terms were agreed over the transfer of Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United. 

To date, the Spanish giants have parted ways with Dani Alves after deciding not to extend his contract. French centre back Clement Lenglet has been shipped out on loan to Tottenham Hotspur. Philippe Coutinho’s loan move to Aston Villa has now been made permanent. And loanees Adama Traore and Luuk de Jong have both left the club after their spell at the Nou Camp came to an end. 

According to Diario Sport, the Catalan club are ready to ‘force’ the exits of three players after being told by Xavi. The three players in question are goalkeeper Neto, French centre back Samuel Umtiti and Danish international striker Martin Baithwaite. All three players have been told they are no longer part of Xavi’s plans. 

Another report from Mundo Deportivo has outlined three other players who have been left out of the club’s pre season tour. Defender Oscar Mingueza, midfielder Riqui Puig and Albanian striker Rey Manaj have also been told by the manager that they are no longer needed and should find a new club. Manaj is close to joining Championship side Watford. 

And the final player with their future up in the air is Dutch international Memphis Depay. 

Depay arrived last summer as a free agent after leaving Lyon but has been told his time at the club could be coming towards an end. 

The Dutchman has fallen down the pecking order after the arrivals of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres in January. Tottenham were linked with a move for the winger but it has been reported that Depay has no interest in joining Antonio Conte’s side. 

Depay’s main objective is to stay with the Catalan club but with the World Cup kicking off later this year, he needs regular game time to ensure he has a place in Louis van Gaal’s squad. 

In terms of incomings, Xavi is targeting Leeds winger Raphinha and Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski. The club finally confirmed the signings of Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie last week. With both players arriving as free agents after their contracts with their respective clubs expired at the end of last season.