At Camp Nou, the Barcelona hierarchy has started running the numbers to ensure the smooth incorporation of new arrivals amidst the financial fair play restrictions imposed by La Liga. To acquire the services of desired players, some existing players must be let go to reduce the wage bill and balance the books.
Unlike past wrong-doings, clearing the wage bill and generating the required funds for new signings is the utmost priority of La Blaugrana. Consequently, Franck Kessié has emerged as a potential ‘sacrifice’ for the club, with his sale potentially facilitating the signing of Manchester City veteran Ilkay Gundogan according to recent reports from SPORT.
Gundogan scored a stunning brace on the last match day of the previous season to secure the title for the Sky Blues and has been a key part of the squad. A new challenge might be on the horizon for the German International as Jude Bellingham is linked to the Etihad Stadium.
Franck Kessie won the Scudetto with Milan but his free transfer to Barcelona has been underwhelming. The Ivorian maestro is only 26 and has a lot to offer on the pitch. According to Transfermarkt, his current transfer value comes out to be €28 million.
A reasonable sum for a useful player. A return to Italian football for around €30 million is a possibility with clubs like Atalanta, Napoli, Juventus, and Inter Milan the possible destinations. Xavi has declared his satisfaction with Kessie’s displays, and the ex-Milan midfielder himself admitted that “Xavi was the key to my signing for Barca.”
Any decision to part ways with Franck Kessie would be more institutional because player performance isn’t an issue. Similar situations have resulted in forced transfers like Aubameyang, who also joined the club at no cost and subsequently moved to Chelsea for €12 million.
Barcelona might tussle with the idea of selling prominent players in the summer to generate funds for bargain signings. A shocking inclusion on this list is Ansu Fati. His situation serves as a prime example; despite being a homegrown talent and still very young, the club is seriously contemplating the possibility of selling him. The injury record and inconsistent appearances of Fati haven’t helped either.
