The 11 Players FC Barcelona Want To Exchange, And Who They Want To Swap Them For

FC Barcelona have had revenues seriously affected during the coronavirus pandemic, which means that their previous plans in the transfer market have been laid to waste.

Part exchanges will become the norm for the Catalan giants and other clubs, president Josep Bartomeu claims, and according to Mundo Deportivo on Friday morning, there is a team of 11 players that Barça wish to move on that can be swapped for a range of targets.

Here they are, discussed in further detail.

Nelson Semedo

The right back had once been considered untouchable at the Camp Nou, but had his shock sale negotiated by sporting director Eric Abidal and agent Jorge Mendes at the turn of the year.

At present, there is an interest in involving him in the potential deals for Lautaro Martinez and Neymar at Inter Milan and PSG respectively.

On a Portuguese note, however, Manchester City are interested in a straight swap for Joao Cancelo or a deal that would see Tanguy Ndombele in Blaugrana while granting a union between compatriots Semedo and Jose Mourinho at Tottenham Hotspur.

Emerson

Speaking of Portuguese speakers, Barcelona have access to a budding star in Semedo’s position in the form of Real Betis’ Emerson. He would first have to be bought permanently, as per the two clubs’ agreement, and then, akin to Semedo, possibly used to lure Ndombele or Martinez.

Junior Firpo

Over on the left flank, Junior Firpo, who a la Emerson has risen to prominence at Quique Setien’s old club Betis, has failed to impress as a potential successor to Jordi Alba. He could be put on the table in Barcelona’s quest to land one of several Juventus players, or one of many used as bargaining chips in Operation Lautaro.

Arthur

Culers were shocked when the Brazilian, previously considered central to the long-term future of the midfield along with Frenkie de Jong, began having his name discussed in relation to Italian giants Juve and Inter.

It is in a coup for Miralem Pjanić, who according to reports has already agreed terms with Barça, that Arthur winds up with the Old Lady, or with Martinez heading the other way at the San Siro.

Arturo Vidal

A long term target for the Nerazzurri, the Chilean warhorse could bring Martinez’s value down by some $22mn.

Ivan Rakitic

The Croat wants to return to Sevilla, in the city where his wife and her family derive, but the Andalusians cannot stump up the cash. He is therefore, like Arthur, possibly headed to Juventus or Inter in the same arrangements, Tottenham Hotspur so that Barça can snatch Ndombele, or at Napoli so that Fabian Ruiz, admired by Setien, can secure a dream move.

Jean Clair Todibo

The French center back is currently on loan at Schalke, who are unable to exercise his right-to-buy clause. He could then be used in the approaches for Neymar and Lautaro Martinez.

Ousmane Dembele

PSG wish to “Frenchify” their first XI, which is why Antoine Griezmann’s name has been near Neymar transfer buzz. Demebele’s is too, for the exact same reasons.

Samuel Umtiti

It was previously believed that a Premier League
PINC
outfit in the mold of Arsenal or Manchester United might relieve Barça of Big Sam. But now, the World Cup winner sees himself being discussed as a way of acquiring Lautaro, Neymar, Ruiz or Ndombele.

Philippe Coutinho

In a predicament that echoes Todibo’s, Bayern Munich will not shell out $130mn to keep the Little Magician. Instead, then, he can be used to obtain Neymar, Ndombele, or even Ngolo Kante at Chelsea.

Marc Cucurella

Given their struggles with Firpo, Barça should have perhaps considered keeping La Masia graduate Cucurella on the books. Getafe triggered his buy option of $6.6mn in March, so it is curious how MD believe he can be offered to Inter Milan in the bunch of players sacrificed for Lautaro.