Only 3 of 8 Barcelona loanees have serious shot of playing role in first team next season

Barcelona have eight players out on loan this summer, and the majority of them will be sold if the Blaugrana get their way. Only three of them are in Xavi Hernandez’s plans for next season.

The case of Eric Garcia has been well-documented in recent weeks, with Girona manager Michel Sanchez declaring that he wants his side to make a deal for the central defender permanent. Barcelona’s plan is for him to be part of their squad next season though, even if the Blaugrana will negotiate for him.

Full-backs Julian Araujo and Alex Valle will be given the chance to prove themselves to Xavi in preseason, before a decision is made, but a priori, will form part of the squad next season. However the other five loanees are on the market, as per Diario AS.

The list of teams interested in Koundé is growing. Apart from Chelsea, PSG and Manchester United, in Italy they now add Inter Milan and in England Newcastle. However, the Frenchman wants to stay at Barcelona. @gbsans

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) May 7, 2024

Starting with Sergino Dest, who PSV Eindhoven are keen to hang onto, but now are looking to bring down his €10m asking price as a result of an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Real Betis defender Chadi Riad is expected to be bought for €3m to make his deal permanent, but Barcelona then have a €7.5m buyback clause – one they will likely execute if they can find a buyer to make a profit on the Moroccan. At Aston Villa, Clement Lenglet is also likely to be shopped, as has been the case for the last two summers, albeit without much success. His high salary has become a major problem.

That could become a problem for Ansu Fati too, who signed a large contract extension until 2026, but has not impressed at Brighton and Hove Albion, and is expected to be up for sale. Finding a buyer may be the hardest part of that equation. Another youngster that Barcelona’s faith appears to be waning in is Pablo Torre. The 21-year-old playmaker has struggled to establish himself at Girona, despite glimpses of talent, and is expected to have interest in Spain.

One of the things that Barcelona have found hardest in recent transfer markets is moving on unwanted players from big contracts, and securing a good price for their youngsters. With Sporting Director Deco in charge from the start of the transfer window this time, his talents will be put to the test.

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