While it might appear that Barcelona have their sights set on completing a history-making domestic sweep in 2023, it is no secret that the Spanish icons are dealing with a public financial crisis behind the scenes.
Although many might have suggested that the Nou Camp hierarchy have already put together a bumper transfer list ahead of the summer, Xavi’s side have found a host of new restrictions that could be placed on them.
With La Liga president Javier Tebas stating last week that Barca have been banned from making any further signings when the window reopens, The Daily Mail have suggested that the Catalonia-based giants must raise £178million.
Suffering another European nightmare on February 23rd as they came crashing out of this season’s Europa League at the hands of Manchester United, there still remain plenty of question marks over Barcelona’s future.
Dealing with a string of financial struggles over recent times, it looks like Xavi’s side could be forcing a number of their first-team stars out of the Nou Camp exit this summer.
In desperate need of balancing their books, we have taken a look at a few Barca superstars who are reportedly in the firing line come the end of the season.
Raphinha
While Raphinha might have only arrived at the Nou Camp last summer following a £55million deal with Premier League outfit Leeds, it has been heavily suggested over recent months that the 26-year-old could already be on his way out of Catalonia.
Although the Brazilian international might have stated back in July that the chance to join the Spanish heavyweights was a “dream come true”, Raphinha has struggled to find much stability since moving to La Liga.
With it now becoming abundantly clear to Barcelona’s hierarchy that they must slash their bumper wage bill, the one-time Rennes starlet appears to be one of the first-team stars that Xavi would be willing to part ways with.
While Xavi himself might have stated during the January transfer window that he still feels Raphinha can play a crucial role over the second-half of the season, the 16-cap international has recorded just four La Liga strikes on either side of the World Cup break.
Failing to fully cement his spot after Ousmane Dembele picked up a long-term hamstring injury back in January, Spanish outlet Fichajes reported last weekend that Newcastle are weighing up a potential move this summer.
Frankie de Jong
Although Frenkie de Jong might have eventually stayed put at the Nou Camp last summer following an almighty transfer saga, the Dutch ace once again has plenty of question marks over his future in Catalonia.
With Barcelona looking like they’re en route to lift a first La Liga crown since 2019 this season, the former Ajax star has played a crucial role in Xavi’s first-team plan on either side of the World Cup break.
However, although the 25-year-old might have become a fan favourite at the Nou Camp this year, it appears that Manchester United are looking to come back to the table this summer in what could be another heavyweight tussle.
Crashing out of the Europa League on February 23rd after suffering a 4-3 aggregate defeat against the Premier League giants, it is no secret that Erik ten Hag is desperate to force through a reunion with his former Ajax talent.
Although De Jong might have passed on the opportunity to secure a Premier League switch last summer, The Sun reported over the weekend that Man United are planning another swoop when the window reopens.
Ferran Torres
While many around the Nou Camp might have been excited to see Ferran Torres arrive in Catalonia 15 months ago, the former Manchester City forward finds himself in a very similar position to Raphinha.
Although the Spanish international might have also been linked with an immediate Premier League return during the January transfer window, Torres still finds himself on the fringes of Xavi’s squad.
Mustering just a pair of La Liga strikes this season and without a single domestic strike to his name since Barcelona secured a 4-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao back on October 23rd, Torres has real question marks over his long-term future.
With Barca making it clear that they’re desperate to keep hold of attacking talisman and ex-Bayern Munich record-breaker Robert Lewandowski this summer, many are expecting the 23-year-old to be forced out of Catalonia.
Along with continued links to the likes of Arsenal over recent months, Forbes reported last week that Atletico Madrid are also keeping tabs on Barca’s financial struggles and could be eyeing a potential move to Torres this year.
