With FC Barcelona set to begin exit operations soon to accommodate their financial structure as per the presented Feasibility plan, departures are beginning to take shape.
The first of the expected casualties were Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The two veterans have decided to step down and have a change of scenery next season following almost a decade of service to the Catalan club.
Moreover, beyond just the savings Barcelona are making from not having to pay two of the highest earners next season, both players have also foregone a significant portion of the deferred and pending payments they were still owed, a gesture that massively helps Barcelona.
Now, as per SPORT, when it comes to departures that would potentially also bring alongside them significant transfer fees, there are four players mainly in the picture. All four, should they leave as per Barca’s desired terms, would help bring about the Feasibility plan to life alongside the acquisitions and registrations of others over the course of the transfer window.
Ansu Fati:
The once-acclaimed youngster who seemed destined to be the face of FC Barcelona for years to come now finds himself on a crossroads. Despite a strong performance in his last game against Mallorca where he scored a brace, the player might be on his way out simply due to economic necessity.
A potential deal involving the player going to Wolverhampton Wanderers in exchange for Ruben Neves + €30 million was discussed but due to Fati’s hesitance regarding the deal, it is difficult to see it materialize.
Moreover, Barcelona themselves would ideally want a transfer deal that sees a direct cash flow rather than having to involve swap-deal operations.
Raphinha:
The Brazilian forward is one that continues to attract the most lucrative offers for Barcelona out of all four players. Prior experience in the English Premier League as well as having hit double figures in both goals and assists across his first season at FC Barcelona are all factors that led to both Chelsea and Newcastle United reportedly having bid around €80 million for his services.
Despite the significant offers, the player has reportedly made it clear to his representatives and Deco in particular that he has no intention of leaving. Moreover, it seems Xavi Hernandez himself would prefer if the 26-year-old winger stayed at the club.
Ferran Torres:
Ferran Torres is arguably the forward who has lost most significance since the arrival of last summer’s offensive recruitments. With Barcelona now aiming to potentially bring in more firepower over the course of this transfer window, Torres will inevitably lose even more prominence within the team and the club find the best solution to be a transfer.
An offer by Aston Villa stood earlier for the acquisition of Ferran Torres that was close to the €55 million the Catalans paid for his arrival from Manchester City. However, it ultimately did not materialize and La Blaugrana continue to hope another substantial offer for the player ends up arriving.
Franck Kessie:
The Ivorian midfielder understands his situation a bit more so than the others on this list. With offers from both Inter Milan and potentially Tottenham Hotspurs on the table, the ex-AC Milan man could well be on his way out.
Barcelona reportedly have an asking price of €25 million. The price set is something that Inter are unable to currently play and would rather prefer a swap deal over, while Spurs are financially capable of offering a direct transfer fee.
All revenue earned from Kessie’s sale would be registered as profit in Barca’s case, due to the fact that the Ivorian was signed on a free transfer and any potential sale would be thus hugely beneficial for FC Barcelona.
