Barcelona should sell midfielder Franck Kessie this summer, given the current financial situation at the club.
The 26-year-old arrived on a free transfer from AC Milan last year, but hardly featured as Xavi’s side won La Liga.
Although he has shown glimpses of quality, including a goal in El Clasico, he should arguably be the first major player sold this summer as Barcelona aim to escape the financial restrictions currently hampering their transfer business.
The Athletic has reported that Barcelona are in major debt, and may not be able to register new signing Ilkay Gundogan unless they can raise funds.
Barcelona have so far struggled to drum up major interest in their sellable assets, but Kessie is now the target of interest from Saudi Arabia, and this could be the perfect opportunity for Barcelona to make a sale.
A good value deal?
Kessie arrived for free as an experienced squad player who could occasionally step in when needed. When Pedri and Gavi suffered injuries last season, he was a useful backup to have in the squad.
However, now would be the best time for him to leave, even though he was never given a proper opportunity to make a name for himself in Spain.
Barcelona could potentially make a signifcant profit on the midfielder, whilst also freeing up £150k-per-week off the wage bill. This could help make progress to register Gundogan, and even bring in another midfielder.
Kessie will fall further down the pecking order as a result of Gundogan’s arrival, and he is not a defensive midfielder who could be well equipped to help replace Sergio Busquets. Given his value, his high wages and his lack of game time, a sale would be a no brainer for the club.
Dani Parejo and Oriol Romeu have been linked as cheaper, short-term Busquets replacements, and selling Kessie could help fund a move for one of the two.