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5 players Barcelona should sell in January

By Harry De Cosemo

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar all starred for Barcelona in their thumping of newly promoted side Leganes
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar all starred for Barcelona in their thumping of newly promoted side Leganes /
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BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 19: Jeremy Mathieu (L) of FC Barcelona fights for the ball with Raheem Sterling (R) of Manchester City FC during the UEFA Champions League group C match between FC Barcelona and Manchester City FC at Camp Nou on October 19, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 19: Jeremy Mathieu (L) of FC Barcelona fights for the ball with Raheem Sterling (R) of Manchester City FC during the UEFA Champions League group C match between FC Barcelona and Manchester City FC at Camp Nou on October 19, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) /

3. Jeremy Mathieu

Signed in the same summer as one Luis Suarez, France defender Mathieu’s Barcelona career couldn’t be more contrasting to the Uruguayan’s since arriving from Valencia in 2014.

The 19 million deal was a hard one to understand from the beginning and his inability to break into the team on a regular basis, or shine when given an opportunity, has been a surprise to few.

Throughout this, the most successful era in the club’s history, Barcelona’s defence has been an achilles heel, but the 33-year-old really hasn’t improved matters. His lack of pace and poor technique have left him exposed. Even his versatility, as a central defender who can also play left back, can’t help him.

Samuel Umtiti and Lucas Digne, who play in both those areas, came in this summer, pushing him further out of the picture. His playing time has taken a significant hit, making just four appearances in LaLiga this term.

That said, a goal in El Clasico against Real Madrid in his debut campaign helped endear him to the Barcelona fans. But as he gets older, his time at the Camp Nou edges closer to ending, and it is not inconceivable that the club would look to offload him as soon as possible,

As for possible destinations, his experience makes him a viable option for many provided he is happy to take a wage cut. Maybe a move back to his homeland is on the cards?

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