Time is running out for Barcelona to sell their unwanted stars
Now that the Premier League's transfer window has closed, it reduces the options available
After a flurry of quick sales at the start of the window (Marc Cardona, Cillessen, Cucurella, André Gomes and Denis Suárez) the plans to move on the rest of the unwanted members of Ernesto Valverde's squad has hit something of a roadblock. The sale of Malcom to Zenit was a welcome relief but there's still a serious case of 'overbooking' when it comes to central midfield. Currently, there are three players for each position when the ideal amount is two per role and, if injuries strike, youngsters such as Riqui Puig are ready to fill in.
PREMIER LEAGUE IS NO LONGER AN OPTION
Whilst there's still 20 days before the transfer window closes in Spain. they've lost arguably the most lucrative outlet when it comes to moving on established names. The Premier League's transfer window closed yesterday afternoon and Philippe Coutinho refused to return to England. Tottenham Hotspur had tried to bring the Brazilian in on loan.
Now that Leroy Sane's injury has ruled out a move to Bayern Munich, the German giants might look to Coutinho as an alternative just as they previously have James Rodriguez. PSG remain an option but that obviously depends on Neymar's future.
RAKITIC AND ARTURO VIDAL: ONE MUST LEAVE
The other situation which needs resolving is that of Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal. The two experienced midfielders are both available for the right price but the Croatian's impressive performances in preseason have quietened talk of his departure. PSG are interested in him but, as with Coutinho, any deal involving them would have to include Neymar going the other way. The Chilean international is still attracting interest from Italy but Valverde likes the fact he offers something different to the rest of his options in midfield. However, at 32 and his contract running out in 2021, he wouldn't generate much in terms of a transfer fee.
Rafinha is another player having a wonderful preseason but it appears his future lies with Valencia. Despite an agreement taking longer to finalise than expected, a move should go through before September's deadline.
The rest (Aleñá, De Jong, Arthur, Busquets and Sergi Roberto) will all remain at Barça.
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