Overbooking in midfield: How will Barça manage excess of players?

Overbooking in midfield: How will Barça manage excess of players?

A estos doce jugadores se podrían añadir también Collado y Oriol Busquets
A estos doce jugadores se podrían añadir también Collado y Oriol Busquets | sport

The club have 12 players for three players and must make decisions

Sergio BusquetsSergi Roberto, Frenkie De Jong, Arturo Vidal, Ivan RakiticArthur MeloCarles Aleñá, Riqui Puig, Francisco Trincao, Matheus Fernandes, Rafinha and Coutinho. Up to 12 midfielders at Barcelona for next season. It's madness to have so many for just three positions. 

It's not a situation Quique Setien once and the club are looking at different options to solve the overbooking. Some could leave, others could play in defence (Sergi Roberto) and others in attack (Coutinho and Trincao). You could also add youngsters to the list like Alex Collado and Oriol Busquets. 

It's difficult to know how the puzzle will be solved.

Sergi Roberto

Clubs have asked about him but there have been no offers. He could be an option in midfield but he's also able to play at right-back. 95 percent chance that he stays. 

Sergio Busquets

With the wages he earns and his age, it's unlikely he leaves. In addition, his importance in midfield, his role as captain and, above all, his relationship with Setien make him essential at present. 

Frenkie De Jong

A huge signing last summer. The Dutchman's played most games since, although he's not hit the level we expected yet. But no one doubts he will be given time to explode. 

Arturo Vidal

The Chilean is nearly 33 and is likely to go. In addition, he has a big salary which the club would like off the books. He's not a regular and Inter are interested. 

Ivan Rakitic

He's a problem for Barcelona. The situation is similar to Vidal: ageing with a big salary. However, he only wants to leave if it's for Sevilla, who don't have the money. 

Arthur Melo

Arthur has been linked with an exit. The Brazil international is one of the most valuable midfielders, worth around 60 million. His future is unknown but he's said he wants to stay, 

Francisco Trincao

Could play a more attacking role. Barça paid 30 million for him in January and he will join for preseason. A lot is expected of him. 

Riqui Puig & Aleñá

Both academy graduates will be with the first team. Aleña will return from a loan with Real Betis and Riqui will be promoted from the B team. 

Matheus Fernandes

The Brazilian will do preseason with the first team and Quique Setien will decide. The fact he's a non-EU player is likely to penalise him and he's expected to leave on loan. Has been on loan at Real Valladolid this season. 

Coutinho

Quique Setién has sent various messages saying he counts on him in midfield. However, Barça would prefer to sell if possible. If someone will pay, he will leave. If not, he may get a second chance at Camp Nou. 

rafinha

Will return from loan at Celta Vigo and is then likely to leave again. 

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