Barcelona need to make at least sales during the upcoming transfer window if they are to revert back to La Liga’s 1:1 transfer ratio. It appears that they have already identified a potential area that they can look to trim the squad ahead of next season, and that is in central defence.
As per Sport, the idea is for Barcelona to sell at least one centre-back in the summer. Pau Cubardi won’t be considered, which would leave Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez, Eric Garcia and Mikayil Faye – the former two are unlikely to go because of their ability to play in other positions.
The reason Barcelona and incoming manager Hansi Flick wants to sell a first team centre-back is because of Faye’s situation. The 19-year-old could be promoted from Barca Atletic, but that will only happen if a centre-back departs – if that does not happen, he himself will be moved on (but with a buy-back clause included in any deal).
Araujo, Martinez, Garcia and Faye are the candidates to choose from, and Araujo is the one that has attracted the most speculation in recent months. He would also command the largest fee, which would significant help out Barcelona’s finances.