Spanish side FC Barcelona have not been on form in the last couple of seasons. They have remained dominant and consistent in the domestic league but lacklustre in the European competitions.
Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have proven to be competitive in La Liga and should Barcelona want to regain their glorious form, they need to make a number of changes to the squad.
Today we look at five players who could potentially leave the Camp Nou to pave way for a marquee of better signings for the club.
Ousmane Dembele
Barcelona signed the French-forward for over 100 million euros from Borussia Dortmund but has failed to replicate his excellent form in Spain.
The versatile player has been hit by a number of injuries which has limited his playing time and affected his form.
His attitude has also been questioned which further catalyze the need for the Spanish side to lay him off.
At just 22 years of age, Dembele has a lot to offer with Inter Milan and Juventus said to be interested in the winger.
Nelson Semedo
The right-back seems to be a decent player but is not a top-level player for a team like Barcelona.
Lately, Barcelona have been linked with big moves for Neymar and Lautaro Martinez, both involving swap deals.
26-year-old Semedo has been a constant figure in both deals which mean the club is looking to any chance to offload the Portuguese international.
Semedo is the second choice right back to Barca, with Sergi Roberto filling the void. He can only play as a full-back if Roberto is playing as a midfielder, which is a rare case with the club having options in the midfield.
Semedo was signed to fill Dani Alves’ boots but has not quite sparked in that area and may need to move on to revive his football career.
Ivan Rakitic
The former Sevilla man has been a shift in Barcelona midfield area. He has played vital a role for the side including winning the Champions League in 2015 but his services may not be needed for too long.
With a youthful midfield of Arthur and Frenkie de Jong, Rakitic could be on his way out of Camp Nou. The only ‘aged’ outstanding player is Sergio Busquets who still remains a paramount player for the side.
Rakitic was rumored to leave Barcelona in January, as Atletico Madrid were favourite to sign the Croatian. Arsenal were also said to be interested in the 32-year-old.
He is yet to decide his future at Barcelona having refuted statements that he is a ‘sack of potatoes’ at the Camp Nou.
Rafinha
The younger brother of Thiago Alcantara was a prospect at Barcelona and the club had high hopes for the Brazilian.
The 27-year-old has had a series of loans to boost his career but have not turned out as expected. He moved to Celta Viga on loan just before extending his contract with Barcelona to 2021.
His current contract was running out this summer 2020 and Barcelona could now either sell him or send him away for another year to see his performances.
Antoine Griezmann
He has just arrived at Camp Nou but the French-forward has not really impressed the Barca fans.
The club played over 120 million euros for his signature from Atletico Madrid, who later signed Joao Felix from Benfica.
His form at Barcelona is nowhere near that at Wanda Metropolitano where he was a lethal attacker and finisher.
With Barcelona looking to bring in Inter’s Lautaro Martinez, Griezmann could fall behind the pecking order at the attacking position.
He could go on to fight for a spot with Dembele if he does not leave Barcelona but the former seems a more versatile and preferred player on the flanks.
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