Barcelona are 'hoping to sell FOUR first team players' before their US tour begins
Barcelona is reportedly looking to offload four first-team players from their squad before embarking on their pre-season tour of America next week. So far, Samuel Umtiti is the only player to have left the club this summer, with his contract terminated three years early. However, due to Barcelona's financial situation, they are keen to reduce the wage bill by selling more fringe players.
According to reports from Diario AS, Barcelona, under the management of Xavi, are still aiming to part ways with Clement Lenglet, Alex Collado, Franck Kessie, and Sergino Dest before their departure for the United States on Wednesday. Lenglet spent the previous season on loan at Tottenham Hotspur but struggled to make a significant impact during a disappointing campaign for the London club.
Sergino Dest, the American fullback, also had a loan spell away from the Nou Camp, playing for AC Milan last season. However, his performances in Italy were underwhelming, with only eight appearances in Serie A. While Barcelona would prefer to sell Dest, a further loan deal may be more realistic. There have been rumors linking him with a move to Bundesliga side Union Berlin, but there has been little progress following those reports.
As for Franck Kessie, there is interest in the center back from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal and Juventus. However, the 26-year-old does not seem keen on either move. Reports in Marca suggest that Kessie would prefer to either stay at Barcelona or join a Premier League club. Having joined Barcelona just last summer, he played a crucial role in their La Liga triumph in the 2022-23 season.
The final player expected to be moved on is Alex Collado, who is returning from fellow LaLiga side Elche. Collado had a rather underwhelming season, managing only a single goal and assist in 15 appearances in the Spanish top-flight. With just one year left on his contract, he is set for an exit from Barcelona.
Barcelona's first match of the 2023-24 campaign is against Getafe on August 13, as they return to La Liga action. The club's objective is to streamline their squad and reduce their wage bill, which will provide financial relief and potentially create opportunities for new signings.
The coming weeks will likely see Barcelona's efforts to offload these players intensify, with negotiations and discussions taking place as they aim to reshape their squad ahead of the new season. The club will be eager to find suitable destinations for these players while ensuring their financial stability and competitiveness in the league.
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