Three out and three in for Barça

Barcelona's humbling elimination from the Champions League has led the Catalan giants to start thinking about next season already, with three names headed for the exit door and another three topping a shortlist to start a summer revolution at the Spanish champions.

Philippe Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti and Ivan Rakitic seem to have their days at Barcelona numbered. The Brazilian has been particularly disappointing this season, and has not lived up to the expectations that were placed upon him following his 160 million euro move from Liverpool. Despite recently becoming the most expensive player in Azulgrana history, he may already be set for a move away this summer.

The Frenchman's case is quite different. He was excellent in Barcelona's defence last season, but has struggled with serious injuries this season and has featured just 14 times. With the solid performances of Clement Lenglet and rumoured interest in Ajax's Matthijs de Ligt, Umtiti could now find himself at the bottom of the pecking order and on the transfer list.

Finally, the Croatian seems to have finished his cycle at Barcelona and the club are reportedly willing to put him up for sale, with Serie A and Inter Milan being a likely destination.

In terms of arrivals, Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt and Antoine Griezmann are the names being linked. The young Dutch centre-midfielder has of course already been signed, and his teammate and captain is thought to be Barça's priority this summer as they look to shore up their defence.

Antoine Griezmann is once more a target for Barcelona following their failed move for the Frenchman last year, although his 'La Decisión' documentary, in which he announced he would stay at Atlético last season, and its negative reception by supporters of Valverde's side could complicate the 28 year-old's arrival.

However, these rumoured decisions will not be carried out immediately, with Barcelona wanting to first focus on their upcoming Copa del Rey final against Valencia. After the showdown at the Benito Villamarín on the 25th May is out of the way, the management can crack on with their summer revolution...

May 10, 2019