Despite having been able to lure a player of Sergio Aguero’s calibre to the club, FC Barcelona are looking to trim their wage bill as much as possible this summer.
Indeed, many football fans will know that Blaugrana are in severe dire straits when it comes down to the financial position at the moment, however that has not stopped Ronald Koeman from trying to bring in new talent.
Of course, former Manchester City duo Eric Garcia and Aguero have both arrived on a free transfer whilst Memphis Depay also looks set to sign on a free. Georginio Wijnaldum also looked to be heading to the Nou Camp but Paris Saint-Germain appear to have stolen him from underneath their noses. Those that would have been using a Big Free Bet on the Dutchman joining the La Liga side would have thought they banked a winner as the Parisians move appears to have come out of nowhere!
However, that may have helped Joan Laporta at FC Barcelona, as he is looking to try and cut costs amid reports suggesting that they owe a whopping £862 million (a figure that has only grown in value).
One reason for such a high cost is due to the wages that they are currently paying their players, which is why the president is looking to cut costs by offloading potentially 18 players! The Mirror are reporting that a number of household names could be on the transfer list.
Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele are among three of the biggest earners thought to be available, whilst names such as Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto, Jordi Alba and Clement Lenglet could all be allowed to go.
The clear-out at the Nou Camp could also include individuals such as Samuel Umtiti, Junior Firpo, Martin Braithwaite, Matheus Fernandes, Miralem Pjanic, Sergino Dest, Riqui Puig, Francisco Trincao, Emerson and Gerard Pique.
Indeed, with many of the names that have been mentioned, it would not be a surprise if there were a number of football clubs around Europe that were interested in signing them, although the number of clubs that would be able to afford the wages that they have been earning at FC Barcelona would likely be incredibly difficult to match.
With a number of them playing at the upcoming UEFA 2020 European Championships over the next month, this summer’s tournament might be the best time to make a ‘come and get me’ plea by showing everyone what they can do when they have a football at their feet.