THE bleak economic situation facing Barcelona is set to lead to a string of exits at the end of the season, with only Lionel Messi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen safe from the axe.
Reports in Spain name a figure of £115million that must be made up in player sales to balance the books of the Camp Nou club.
Messi and ter Stegen are two undisputed stars of the Blaugrana team
The coronavirus pandemic has led to all football being suspended for what could be several months, depriving clubs big and small of vital income.
In the meantime, Barcelona are negotiating a temporary pay cut with their players but nevertheless face a mammoth wage bill that must be cut.
According to Mundo Deportivo, only star forward Messi and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen are to be protected from transfer bids in the coming market.
The Catalans are said to be working on contract renewals for both players but those have been put on hold until the pandemic eases.
Likewise, any transfer signing such as Lautaro Martinez is being put on ice amid reports up to five players could be offered to Inter Milan as part of the deal.
Several Barcelona stars have already been reported as targets for other clubs, including defender Samuel Umtiti.
Manchester United and Arsenal are both said to be tracking the centre-back, valued at just £46million amid his team’s financial trouble.
Philippe Coutinho might even have to go out on loan again as the LaLiga leaders struggle to find a buyer for the Brazilian.
And Antoine Griezmann is another big name up for the chop after only a year in Barcelona.
A return of just ten goals in the league and Champions League is far from the start the 29-year-old hoped to make after a £107m move from Atletico Madrid – leading to the Blaugrana reportedly considering cutting their losses.
Ivan Rakitic smashes the ball in the back of the net during Barcelona training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
