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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
The FC Barcelona player Ivan Rakitic from Switzeland during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King's Cup) round of 32 second leg match between FC Barcelona vs Hercules CF at Camp Nou stadium on December 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The FC Barcelona player Ivan Rakitic from Switzeland during the Spanish Copa del Rey (King’s Cup) round of 32 second leg match between FC Barcelona vs Hercules CF at Camp Nou stadium on December 21, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Xavier Bonilla/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

VERDICT: Sell Rakitic

Rakitic would likely command a higher fee than Turan, especially given Premier League interest. The new television deal money makes a large difference, and although they’re just a year apart, Turan’s prime appears closer to its end than Rakitic’s.

Another key piece is the difference in their roles. Turan joined Barcelona knowing he had a steep hill to climb to get playing time, while Rakitic expects to start. Perhaps Turan is comfortable as a reserve, and if that is the case, it would not make sense to sell such a talented backup.

Next: Lucho On How Messi Can Stay On The Highest Form

Rakitic has been wonderful since joining the Catalan club. However, it seems clear that, despite what he says, the end may be near. If Barcelona need to sell a star, it should be the Croatian.