Barcelona could be heading for a busy end to the transfer window, with as many as five players facing uncertain futures at the club.
According to a major revelation from Jose Alvarez Haya on El Chiringuito TV, Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, Alejandro Balde, Hector Fort and Marc Casado could all leave Barcelona this summer.
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Not every situation is the same, though.
Casado and Fort are already training away from the main group, with their departures now looking all but inevitable.
The futures of De Jong, Kounde and Balde are less clear, but the Blaugrana are willing to listen to offers.
Barcelona’s transfer plans regarding their willingness to consider further sales could possibly be linked to their pursuit of a top-quality centre-forward, and bringing one in would require a major financial effort.
Barcelona are willing to make difficult decisions
Barcelona are open to offers for Kounde. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
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For much of the summer, Barcelona’s focus has been on strengthening the squad, but the club could still need departures before making another significant move in the transfer market.
Marc Casado and Hector Fort appear to be closest to the exit door, as both are training separately from the squad, and their futures away from Barcelona are now effectively decided.
However, the bigger story is that the Blaugrana may not stop there.
If the club want to create more financial room for a new striker, selling established first-team players could become an important part of the plan.
That is where the situations of Kounde, De Jong and Balde come into focus.
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Kounde, De Jong and Balde could be on their way out
Kounde’s situation is particularly interesting. As previously reported, Flick spoke with the Frenchman during pre-season and explained how his role would change.
Manchester United are keen on signing Balde. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Eric Garcia is set to be the preferred option at right-back, while Kounde could find more opportunities at centre-back. That means the defender is no longer guaranteed the same role he enjoyed previously.
Barcelona are also open to considering a good offer for Kounde, making his future beyond the end of the window uncertain.
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De Jong is another player whose situation is being closely watched. His relationship with Barcelona is currently not at its best, and the club is keeping the door open for a possible exit if the right proposal arrives.
Lastly, Balde’s case is also worth following.
The left-back has reportedly been told that he is not part of Flick’s plans, while Manchester United have been linked with a move, and there is said to be a genuine possibility that Barcelona could negotiate his departure.
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