FC Barcelona have to complete the sales of some players who are not essential to Xavi’s squad for the upcoming season. Most of the players to be sold are on the fringes of the squad, who do not form a part of Xavi’s plan, but a big name can also be sold in the summer.
Among the fringe players whom the club is looking to offload are several center-backs. Barcelona have already terminated the contract of Samuel Umtiti and is now looking to sell Clement Lenglet and Eric Garcia as well.
According to SPORT, these two latter players are attracting the interest of the French side Olympique Marseille, who have already contacted Barcelona for these two players. The French club can make a move for one of these two defenders as they are looking for a central defender in this market. However, the move for Lenglet can be complicated because of his high wage demands.
FC Barcelona and Marseille have enjoyed good relations in the last two years, and Mateu Alemany has a good working relationship with the President of the French club, Pablo Longoria. The two have worked together in Valencia and are currently working to quickly conclude a transfer.
The French club is looking primarily for a central defender after having strengthened the rest of their squad this summer. They want Clement Lenglet, but the Frenchman himself may prefer a move to the Premier League.
The economic might of the Premier League clubs means Lenglet has a greater chance of finding his desired wages in England, but the French club may only be able to pay a transfer fee to the Catalan club. The Catalans value Lenglet at €15 million, which was an abortive figure for Tottenham in the recent negotiations between the two clubs.
Eric Garcia is another option for Marseille, but the Spaniard wants to remain at Barcelona for now. Garcia declined a move to Betis on loan, and Marseille would want to move for him either on loan or a permanent transfer.
However, these transfers can be finalized only after the club returns from its tour of the USA, while Barcelona hope to offload both these players at a favorable price for the club.
