BARCELONA president Josep Maria Bartomeu has officially named the seven players he will NOT sell this summer, with everyone else up for grabs.
The Spanish side are set for a major overhaul this summer – with changes already afoot.
Barcelona have made just seven of their players ‘Untouchable’, including Messi, Ter Stegen, De Jong and Griezmann
Messi and Griezmann are just two of Barcelona’s seven untouchable starsCredit: EPA
Quique Setien has been sacked, along with director Eric Abidal.
Ronald Koeman has been named new boss – but he may have an entirely new squad to work with.
Bartomeu has claimed just seven players are unavailable for transfer – with everyone else fair game.
Messi was named amongst Bartomeu’s seven, unsurprisingly.
But reports in Spain have suggested he is “seriously considering” his future and could quit this summer.
Elsewhere, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Clement Lenglet, Nelson Semedo, Frenkie De Jong, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele have been deemed off-limits.
Despite Messi’s shock claim, Bartomeu told Barca TV: “Who’s not for sale?
“Leo Messi… he knows that. He’s the best player in the world.
“We’d also be talking about [Marc-Andre] ter Stegen, [Nelson] Semedo, [Frenkie] de Jong, [Clement] Lenglet, [Ousmane] Dembele… [Antoine] Griezmann too.”
Man City are the favourites to sign Messi this summer
Barcelona’s top youngsters Ansu Fati and Riqui Puig weren’t mentioned by name.
But Bartomeu has recently stated they are not for sale this summer after bursting on to the scene in 2019-20.
Arthur has already been sold to Juventus, with many others actively being pushed out.
Arturo Vidal is one likely to leave, with Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan keen.
Barcelona are also looking to get rid of Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez, along with club legends Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets.
There are a few surprises on Bartomeu’s list of untouchables – especially given the quality of players up for grabs.
Dembele has long been linked with a move away as form and injuries hampered his progress following his mega-money move from Borussia Dortmund.
Semedo endured a torrid time in the 8-2 thumping against Bayern Munich, with many suggesting it’s time for Barca to move on.
Meanwhile, Griezmann has been linked with a move to PSG – partially as bait to help secure a return to the Nou Camp for Neymar.
Bartomeu went on to say Messi will not quit this summer, despite the rumours – with Manchester City circling.
He added: “Messi wants to end his career at Barca.
“I regularly speak to him and his father. He’s part of our project.
“Koeman will be the new manager and he told me that Messi is a key player for our new project.”
A look at the career of Lionel Messi as rumours circulate the Barcelona captain is looking to leave Camp Nou
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
