Barcelona have moved at incredible speed to sign Anthony Gordon for €80m, a piece of transfer business that took observers by something of a surprise given the club’s recent financial history.
But the club’s position is improving and they are further targeting a marquee centre-forward, having been linked with a similar big-money move for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez.
However, Barcelona still need sales to balance their books and remain within La Liga’s financial regulations. So who will the club sell?
Goalkeeping
In the goalkeeping department Barcelona need to get rid of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. The German goalkeeper remains under contract until 2028 but circumstances have changed significantly since he was established as the club’s undisputed No 1. Joan Garcia has taken his position and settled very well at Camp Nou, leaving Barcelona with the problem of a German goalkeeper surplus to requirements but on high wages.
The club wanted to offload him last summer and it caused a rift in their relationship, Ter Stegen himself seemingly unwilling to move. He has struggled with injuries, but when the club tried to use his absence as an opportunity to register new players last summer there was another public breakdown in their relationship. He ultimately left for Girona in January but he struggled with injuries again and barely featured.
Barcelona cannot wait to get his wages off their books, but his salary may also make a move difficult. Unless he agrees to take a huge pay cut for a permanent transfer, he will likely only go out on loan and the club will continue to cover part of his wages. However, even such a partial reduction would help reduce the club’s expenses.
Defence
Barcelona’s defence contains several of their most valuable assets, which is why it could become the area that generates the largest transfer income.
Neither Ronald Araujo nor Jules Kounde is actively being pushed out, but Barcelona would seriously consider substantial offers for both players. Araujo has endured a difficult year after excessive abuse from fans due to some perceived poor performances led to him taking an extended break for his mental health. Barcelona’s hierarchy continue to regard him highly, having tied him to a long-term contract only last year, but a move away would help the club financially.
Kounde may be even more attractive to potential buyers. With his versatility and experience he is easily one of Barcelona’s most marketable defenders, even if his performances fluctuated during the season. A strong World Cup with France could increase interest further.
There is also a case to be made that it is time for Alejandro Balde to be sold. He was once viewed as untouchable but the academy graduate’s development has stalled due to injuries and he was overshadowed by Joao Cancelo when the Portuguese arrived in January. Barcelona are now prepared to listen to offers for Balde, especially if they receive a bid that reflects his age and potential.
Andreas Christensen is probably the least likely defender to leave. He has had injury setbacks but Hansi Flick values his experience and reliability. Barcelona are expected to offer a new contract on reduced terms and it’s a compromise that could suit both club and player.
Midfield and attack
Marc Casado stands out as perhaps the most realistic sale. The midfielder played an important role in the side when injuries created opportunities, but he has fallen down the pecking order. Frenkie de Jong, Marc Bernal, Eric Garcia, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez and Gavi are all competing for minutes ahead of him, which makes it difficult to see a route for him into the starting side.
Even at the start of last season, he was told by Flick to prepare to be only a backup option. He would prefer to remain, but regular football elsewhere could become attractive and Barcelona would be happy to sell.
In attack, Ferran Torres’s position is uncertain. Barcelona have not offered him a new contract despite his deal running out in 2027. There were rumours during the season that he would be sold in the summer, and the club would likely consider a suitable bid.
Torres, though, has not shown interest in leaving and Robert Lewandowski’s exit could well grant him a stay of execution, as the club would be in need of a backup to a marquee signing this summer.
Ansu Fati should go. He is as far as possible from the player it had been believed he would be and a permanent move now will suit all parties. If his loan spell at Monaco becomes permanent it would take him off Barcelona’s squad planning once and for all, as well as remove his salary from their books.
Roony Bardghji is another player unlikely to stay. The young winger is talented and has impressed in limited opportunities, but competing with Lamine Yamal for minutes is an almost impossible task. A loan move appears the logical solution and is supported by both player and club.
