Three Players Set To Leave FC Barcelona During The Current Transfer Window

FC Barcelona have had a very active transfer period so far. Andres Iniesta and Paulinho already left the team, but Clement Lenglet and Arthur arrived to bolster the team’s depth defensively. There are several players that remain linked with the Camp Nou outfit, however, so we might see the reigning Liga champions adding one or two more players before the market closes.

But Barca should also considering some departures, either on loan or on a permanent basis. Here are three players that would be wise to leave Los Blaugranas during the current transfer period.

Yerry Mina

Yerry Mina had been linked with a Barcelona move for quite a while, and the Colombian centre-back finally joined the side during the January transfer window. He got some playing time, but did not look very good and it was clear he could only he a back-up alternative for Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti. He even fell down the pecking order behind Thomas Vermaelen, and playing time will be even more scarce with the arrival of Clement Lenglet. His chances will be minimal, and the best course for his career would be to play elsewhere this upcoming season.

Barca should be smart, however, and send him out on loan. After all, Mina is only 23 years old and is coming off scoring three goals (yes, you read that right, and yes, he is a centre-back) for Colombia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Fenerbahce, Everton and even Liverpool have been linked with a move for him based on his excellent performances in the World Cup. Considering Vermaelen (32) and Pique (31) are not getting younger, Mina should play elsewhere this season to get some much-needed seasoning. He has enough talent and potential to form a long-term partnership with Samuel Umtiti, but right now the scheme looks far too crowded for him to get consistent playing time.

Andre Gomes

Out of the three players in this list, Andre Gomes is the one that has been linked with a Barca exit more times. In fact, he did not enjoy a good start to his tenure with Los Blaugranas and fans were ready to let him go only a few months after his arrival from Valencia. Let me just say that things have not changed at all. The former Portugal international has been with Los Blaugranas for two years, and he is often the scapegoat for fans every time things go south. That is a bit unfair, but it reflects how poor he has been with the Camp Nou outfit. And this might be the summer where he finally ends up leaving for greener pastures.

Let’s be honest: the “Andre Gomes in Barcelona” experiment has not worked out. The former Benfica and Valencia star has not adjusted to life in Barcelona, and often cracks under pressure. He also disappears in big games, but there is another reason why he must leave the side. Simply put: Barcelona have better alternatives than him. Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic are not going anywhere, Arthur already joined the team, and Philippe Coutinho can also play as a midfielder. Sure, Paulinho left and returned to China, but Andre Gomes is still the fifth-best option for a CM role. Considering his international pedigree and the fact that he is only 24 years old, Barca should take advantage of that and sell him. There will certainly be teams open to sign him.

Rafinha

The Brazilian midfielder spent the second part of last season on loan at Inter Milan, and he ended playing a pivotal role on the Italian side’s return to the UEFA Champions League ahead of the upcoming campaign. But even though he had showcased his quality for Inter, that might not matter on Ernesto Valverde’s eyes. He might be talented, but once again it seems he does not have enough space on the current squad. And if he stays, his involvement on the side could be minimal.. and that is being generous.

The former Celta Vigo star thrived in Italy, Inter Milan fans love him, and there is no question that he would be quite useful on the team now that they will need more depth than ever due to their participation in the Champions League. Rafinha would likely have to leave money on the table and take on an active role in any potential negotiation to leave Barca, but that is exactly what he needs to do. Otherwise, he will waste some of his best years buried on the bench. He just does not appear to be an option for Valverde anymore.