BARCELONA could see up to EIGHT ins and outs in the upcoming winter transfer window, reports claim.
The Catalan giants endured a turbulent summer, amid pressure to reduce their wage bill while trying to appease the disgruntled Lionel Messi.
Ronald Koeman is seeking to make plenty of changes in JanuaryCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
New boss Ronald Koeman saw the likes of Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal, Arthur Melo and Nelson Semedo depart – while a cheaper core of Miralem Pjanic, Sergino Dest, Francisco Trincao, Pedri and Matheus Fernandes were acquired.
Barcelona made a £6.7million profit while reducing their total salary – but according to Marca, this was just the beginning of their revamp.
So let’s take a look at the eight players that could be coming in and out of the Nou Camp come January.
MEMPHIS DEPAY – IN
Memphis Depay could be reunited with his former national team bossCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Despite the protestations otherwise of Lyon supremo Jean-Michel Aulas, Barcelona remain very interested in Koeman’s compatriot Memphis Depay.
The Dutchman, 26, was a key target in the summer and Barca are expected to try again in January, despite Aulas driving a notoriously hard bargain.
ERIC GARCIA – IN
Teenage defender Eric Garcia is believed to be chasing a Man City exitCredit: AP:Associated Press
Another that Barcelona tried to recruit in the summer, Eric Garcia is expected to return to his boyhood club eventually – with his Manchester City contract expiring at the end of the season, and a renewal looking unlikely.
Amid exit rumours, the Barcelona-born centre-back has featured in just two of City’s opening seven Premier League games, although Pep Guardiola’s side are still reportedly asking for around £18m for the 19-year-old.
JUNIOR FIRPO – OUT
Junior Firpo could be on the Barca scrapheap after just a yearCredit: Getty – Contributor
So far consigned to the bench this season in LaLiga, Junior Firpo is believed to be on the Barca chopping block, just one year after joining from Real Betis for a fee potentially rising to around £26m.
Inter Milan and Napoli are both rumoured to be interested in the Dominican, 24.
SAMUEL UMTITI – OUT
Samuel Umtiti has been dogged by knee injuriesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Samuel Umtiti’s stock has plummeted since winning the World Cup two years ago, having been dogged by knee issues.
The Frenchman is now firmly behind Clement Lenglet in the pecking order and has not been available at all this season, and may be difficult to shift given his injury woes.
MATHEUS FERNANDES – OUT
Fernandes, left, was signed from Palmeiras but hasn’t yet been given a chance to playCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Hang on, didn’t Matheus Fernandes only just arrive?
Well, yes, but the 22-year-old has seemingly already been deemed a flop following his £8.9m switch from Palmeiras, and looks likely to not be given a chance at all at the Nou Camp.
MARTIN BRAITHWAITE – OUT
Braithwaite has featured for a total 37 minutes this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
As bizarre a signing now as it seemed at the time, ex-Middlesbrough striker Martin Braithwaite already appears to be living on borrowed time at Barcelona.
The striker has made five substitute appearances this term, totalling 37 minutes, and will likely be remembered as one of the weirdest bits of business in the club’s history.
RIQUI PUIG – OUT
Riqui Puig has been largely consigned to the bench this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Academy product Riqui Puig became a regular towards the back end of last season under Quique Setien, exciting fans with his talent and potential.
Koeman, however, has only seen fit to field the midfielder for a grand total of three minutes this term – and he will almost certainly be loaned out come January.
CARLES ALENA – OUT
Carles Alena has become a largely forgotten man since debuting as a teen in 2016Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Carles Alena, 22, made his Barcelona debut in 2016, appearing 40 times in total for his boyhood club.
Having returned from a loan spell at Real Betis, however, he has been handed just seven minutes of action this term, and none in LaLiga, making another loan move likely come January.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
