Time running out for Barcelona to sell their unwanted stars

After a flurry of quick sales at the start of the window (Marc 

Cardona, Cillessen, Cucurella, André Gomes and Denis Suárez) 

the plans to move on the rest of the unwanted members of 

Ernesto Valverde's squad has hit something of a roadblock. 

The sale of Malcom to Zenit was a welcome relief but there's 

still a serious case of 'overbooking' when it comes to central 

midfield. Currently, there are three players for each position 

when the ideal amount is two per role and, if injuries strike, 

youngsters such as Riqui Puig are ready to fill in.

Whilst there's still 20 days before the transfer window closes 

in Spain. they've lost arguably the most lucrative outlet when 

it comes to moving on established names. The Premier 

League's transfer window closed yesterday afternoon and 

Philippe Coutinho refused to return to England. Tottenham 

Hotspur had tried to bring the Brazilian in on loan.

Now that Leroy Sane's injury has ruled out a move to Bayern 

Munich, the German giants might look to Coutinho as an 

alternative just as they previously have James Rodriguez. PSG

 remain an option but that obviously depends on Neymar's 

future.

The other situation which needs resolving is that of Ivan 

Rakitic and Arturo Vidal. The two experienced midfielders are 

both available for the right price but the Croatian's impressive 

performances in preseason have quietened talk of his 

departure. PSG are interested in him but, as with Coutinho, 

any deal involving them would have to include Neymar going 

the other way. The Chilean international is still attracting 

interest from Italy but Valverde likes the fact he offers 

something different to the rest of his options in midfield. 

However, at 32 and his contract running out in 2021, he 

wouldn't generate much in terms of a transfer fee.

Rafinha is another player having a wonderful preseason but it 

appears his future lies with Valencia. Despite an agreement 

taking longer to finalise than expected, a move should go 

through before September's deadline.

The rest (Aleñá, De Jong, Arthur, Busquets and Sergi Roberto) 

will all remain at Barça.