Barcelona could see a mass, high-profile exodus this summer

Barcelona are planning an unprecedented mass exodus this summer

The onslaught of expensive signings made by Robert Fernández has left a trail of massive financial damage in its wake at Barcelona. Last summer’s business ensured that the squad is no longer flooded by benchwarmers, but some things are yet to be done.

Éric Abidal is determined in ridding Barça of all the baggage left behind by his predecessor, and plans to complete his mission in the upcoming summer transfer window. The ex-Culé is preparing to offload some low-key and a few high-profile players.

The name which pops up when it comes to departures nowadays is none other than Barça’s record signing, Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian superstar has struggled to carry his World Cup form into the new season, and has been largely overshadowed by Ousmane Dembélé.

The former Liverpool man has been linked with a return to the Premier League, with former suitors Manchester United seeking to reignite interest in Coutinho. But whatever is the end result, Coutinho’s sale is not going to be profitable for Barça.

The other big name linked with a move away from Barça is another player who has not been able to carry his World Cup form into the new season, Samuel Umtiti. But the Frenchman’s season has been a failure for a very different reason, his injury-prone nature.

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Umtiti’s knee injury has permitted him to make just 11 appearances in all competitions this season, with compatriot Clément Lenglet taking over in the first-team and with considerable success. Again, it is Manchester United who want to sign him.

In fact, the Red Devils could complete a double sweep from Barça in the summer for as much as €200 million. André Gomes is another player with a high likelihood of a move to the Premier League, as Everton negotiate a fee to make his loan permanent.

As for Arda Turan, the former Turkey international has hogged the headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent times and has failed to restart his career at Başakşehir. But the Süper Lig leaders are still expected to sign him permanently at the end of the season.

Rafinha is a wasted talent, a potential superstar whose career was blighted by injuries. There is no chance of him remaining at Barça beyond the end of the season, but he is not expected to bring in much due to his plummeting market value.

But regardless, Abidal’s proposed sales will serve a bigger purpose than simply reducing the weight of the squad. It will also go a long way in funding the new signings, that of a centre-forward, a centre-back and a left-back.

Barça are yet to decide on the priority target for the backup left-back spot, but neither Matthijs de Ligt nor Luka Jović will come cheap. In fact, they are in demand across Europe and the involvement of multiple clubs will certainly raise their value.

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The total revenue from departures this season is expected to be between €250 and €300 million, and it would be a great help to the club.

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