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)
5 of 6
Rafinha during the match between FC Barcelona - Borussia Monchengladbach, for the matchday 6 of the Champions League, played at Camp Nou Stadium on 6th December, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Credit: Urbanandsport / Nur Photo) -- (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Rafinha during the match between FC Barcelona – Borussia Monchengladbach, for the matchday 6 of the Champions League, played at Camp Nou Stadium on 6th December, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Credit: Urbanandsport / Nur Photo) — (Photo by Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Who Could Replace Arda?

Replacing Turan is not as difficult as Rakitic, because Turan is not a regular starter. However, some things could move around so that it can be easy to replace the Turkish midfielder.

  • Rafinha: The versatile player can be a replacement for both. Rafinha is more than capable of taking on Arda’s role as the fourth forward, ready to come off the bench to provide a spark. It would be more natural for him than replacing Rakitic, and costs no money.
  • Munir: The former starlet stalled a bit in his development, and is now on-loan at Valencia. But, still under Barcelona contract, and just 21, Munir can grow into the role of auxiliary forward. And, again, unless Barcelona cut his loan short, it likely would cost zero.