After Ronald Koeman hinted at possible departures, let’s check out five players who could leave FC Barcelona in the January transfer window.
Despite the volatile financial situation at Camp Nou, Barcelona remain in the thick of the action transfer-wise. Soon-to-be free agents Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia, and Georginio Wijnaldum have all been tipped for moves.
Ronald Koeman, meanwhile, wants a proven No.9 that can supply the goals regularly. But as the Blaugrana manager hinted on Saturday, he may offload some fringe players in the not so distant future.
So, without further ado, here are the stars who have been tipped to move on lately.
Riqui Puig
How would you like to see Riqui Puig at Arsenal? pic.twitter.com/d8IHjDSRO2
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) December 28, 2020
The 21-year-old has just four minutes of La Liga football to his name this season. Koeman’s unwillingness to hand him a chance, amid Barcelona’s struggles, remains a mystery. The coach has even questioned his commitment to training.
But interest in Puig remains strong, with Real Betis billed as one potential destination. As things stand, however, Barcelona have no immediate plans to loan him out.
Carles Alena
Another Blaugrana youngster on the fringes under Koeman is Alena. The 22-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Real Betis, making 19 appearances before returning to Camp Nou in June. But he’s only played five games this season, including two in La Liga.
Getafe president Angel Torres has recently confirmed an interest in signing Alena. Deportivo Alaves, Villarreal, Eibar, and Portuguese club Benfica have all reportedly enquired for him as well on a potential loan deal.
Junior Firpo
The left-back has struggled to fit the bill as a potential Jordi Alba successor. He’s only made 31 appearances in all competitions since his €18m arrival from Real Betis in August 2019, including eight this season.
Samuel Umtiti
Umtiti, much like his fellow Frenchman Ousmane Dembele, has struggled with injury problems over the last few seasons. In fact, he had a bright start to his Camp Nou career before a series of knee problems kicked in.
The World Cup winner has only made three appearances in all competitions this season after another injury-ravaged campaign.
Martin Braithwaite
Considering Koeman is short of a No.9, this may be surprising. Braithwaite has featured regularly under the Dutchman, making 17 appearances in all competitions and scoring five goals. But he doesn’t fit the bill as somebody capable of scoring week-in and week-out like Luis Suarez once did.
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