Ronald Koeman is said to want to get rid of a number of Barcelona players. Here are four Barcelona players who will be discarded by the new coach.
Koeman came to fill the coach position displacing Quique Setien. With Barcelona’s condition in the middle of a slump, Koeman needs big steps to restore Barcelona’s glory.
Here are four stars that Koeman is rumored to be dumping:
1. Luis Suarez
Luis Suarez has been Barcelona’s main striker since arriving from Liverpool in 2014. Suarez has proven that he can be Lionel Messi’s teammate.
Suarez’s goal record is also brilliant because he managed to score 198 goals in 283 appearances.
One of the obstacles for Suarez is the injury that has started to cover him regularly. Despite his injury, Suarez is still considered sharp because he successfully scored 21 goals in 36 matches.
2. Ivan Rakitic
Ivan Rakitic was brought in by Barcelona to regenerate the midfield as Xavi Hernandez was aging. Rakitic was able to successfully fulfill that role but then his performance continued to decline.
Last season, Rakitic’s role was even less and he was only able to score one goal in 42 matches. Rakitic is said to be dropped for refreshment in midfield.
3. Arturo Vidal
As a hard-working midfielder, Arturo Vidal never really got his first place at Barcelona.
Koeman is also said to have stated that Vidal was not included in the team plan that had been drawn up by him.
Italian League clubs are said to be candidates for Vidal’s new club.
4. Samuel Umtiti
Samuel Umtiti was recruited by Barcelona in the hope that he could become a doorstop for the future. However, Umtiti was more often associated with the issue of leaving the Blaugrana.
Barcelona can get fresh funds from Umtiti’s sale which can then be used to buy the player Koeman wants.
Uruguay international striker Luis Suarez admits that it is okay for Barcelona to be dumped as long as the club provides the right reasons.
“If that is what the club wants, it would be great if the director in charge of this decision spoke with me. It would be better than leaked information if I was the player the club wanted to leave,” Suarez said.
“We’ll see what will happen. I want the best for the club and I want to stay, but if the club decides I am no longer needed, I have no problem talking to those who make the decisions,” said Suarez.
Finally, Suarez confirmed that he had not spoken directly with Koeman regarding rumors that the Dutchman did not want him.
“Koeman? I haven’t spoken to him,” said Suarez.
Barcelona plans to make major changes with Koeman after failing to win the title last season.
