Barca considering selling 6 stars to raise funds

Barcelona are reportedly considering selling six of their stars in order to raise funds for a summer transfer splurge.

The club’s hierarchy are continuing to plan for the future and are reported to be anticipating another active summer in the transfer market.

They have already completed the signing of Dutch star Frankie De Jong from Ajax and remain interested in his team-mate, central defender Matthijs de Ligt.

Atletico Madrid frontman Antoine Griezmann is another player they have been monitoring for some time, but the Catalan giants are aware that they must “balance the accounts” before making any large investments and want to raise over £200m, according to ESPN.

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To that end, the futures of first-team stars Philippe Coutinho, Ivan Rakitic and Samuel Umtiti are under threat.

The trio have been regulars for Barca boss Ernesto Valverde this season, but for one reason or another they are seen as dispensable by the club’s board.

Coutinho has largely struggled since arriving from Liverpool 18 months ago, and although the report states that Barcelona are committed to his development – they are willing to listen to offers of around £90m.

Rakitic, meanwhile, is reported to have been unhappy at the club’s signing of Dutchman De Jong, although Valverde has told the Croatian schemer that he remains pivotal to his plans moving forward.

The 31-year-old, who has been strongly linked with Manchester United, has a contract until 2021 but is keen to have that extended – something that Barca has so far showed no intention to do.

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De Ligt’s potential arrival could also signal the end of France star Umtiti’s stay, although the Frenchman admits he is keen to remain at the Nou Camp.