Playing for 90
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 29: Rafinha of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Granada at Camp Nou stadium on October 29, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 29: Rafinha of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Granada at Camp Nou stadium on October 29, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Manuel Queimadelos Alonso/Getty Images) /

4. Rafinha

Rather than Barcelona instigating any possible transfer, it could be sensible for Rafinha to start looking elsewhere.

The Brazilian international, brother of former Blaugrana man and Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara, has a lot of talent and, at 23, is at risk of being stifled by the lack of playing time, similar to Arda.

Thiago departed the Camp Nou in 2013, much to the annoyance of the Barcelona fans, and he has thrived at the Allianz Arena. His brother would make a sensible decision to follow that lead if he is to truly fulfil his potential.

There would be lots of interested parties in a player with an abundance of creativity and technical ability, having demonstrated so while on loan at Celta Vigo in the 2013-14 season under current Barcelona boss Luis Enrique.

But with Busquets, Rakitic and Iniesta proving troublesome for his development, Rafinha has only made seven appearances in LaLiga this term, including a four-minute cameo in the win at Sevilla last weekend. He may have to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Thiago and Cesc Fabregas and look elsewhere for first team soccer.

As many Brazilians have before him have done, Rafinha could set the Premier League alight. But he may thrive more in a game with a slower pace, with the likes of Inter and AC Milan looking for inspiration in Italy’s Serie A. A deal would be seriously worth a look.

Home/FC Barcelona