To Keep Stars, Barca May Sell Stars—But Who?

BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 10: Arda Turan of FC Barcelona conducts the ball during the Joan Gamper trophy match between FC Barcelona and UC Sampdoria at Camp Nou on August 10, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 10: Arda Turan of FC Barcelona conducts the ball during the Joan Gamper trophy match between FC Barcelona and UC Sampdoria at Camp Nou on August 10, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
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Arda Turan during the spanish league match between FC Barcelona and Las Palmas in Barcelona, on January 14, 2017. (Photo by Miquel Llop/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Arda Turan during the spanish league match between FC Barcelona and Las Palmas in Barcelona, on January 14, 2017. (Photo by Miquel Llop/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The Case to Sell Arda Turan

In many ways, the purchase of Arda Turan made little sense. Coming off a great season with Atletico Madrid, Turan left for La Liga’s best, even though he had to sit out six months due to transfer transgressions. Since he finally earned his debut, he has split opinion. When on form, Turan is one of the best at breaking down defenses. However, when off, he sits on the periphery of matches and has little to no influence.

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Turan turns 30 in just a few days, and the lack of regular football must be weighing on his mind. Stuck behind three of the best forwards in the world, and not really suited for a midfield role, Turan is in football purgatory. He could easily take on a bigger role elsewhere while he’s still at his peak.

Liverpool were heavily linked for two years, but that was under Brendan Rodgers. Jurgen Klopp is unlikely to splurge on a 30-year-old creator without the physical attributes necessary for his pressing style. Premier League clubs may not be too interested at this juncture, but other teams in Spain, and perhaps Italy or France could enter the mix.