MX23RW : Friday, December 13 12:37:56| >> :120:33443:33443:

Barcelona 'planning to offload experienced quartet next summer'

Barcelona 'planning to offload experienced quartet next summer'
© Reuters
Barcelona want to offload Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto and Sergio Busquets next summer, according to a report.

Barcelona are reportedly working to offload Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto and Sergio Busquets at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

Busquets's current deal is due to expire next summer, and the experienced midfielder is widely expected to depart on a free transfer, with a number of MLS clubs said to be in the hunt for his signature.

Pique and Alba have both lost their starting roles this term, meanwhile, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding their futures at Camp Nou.

Roberto signed a new deal with Barcelona last June, but the contract will only run until next summer, and according to ESPN, Xavi's side are working to offload all four players.

The report claims that Barcelona value Roberto's ability to play in a number of positions, but the club are planning to add a new right-back next summer and also want to boost their midfield, which would push the Spaniard down the pecking order.

Gerard Pique in action for Barcelona on September 7, 2022© Reuters

Busquets and Roberto could ultimately leave on free transfers at the end of the season, but Pique has a deal at Camp Nou until June 2024, with the 35-year-old signing an extension in October 2020.

The centre-back has made seven appearances at club level this term, but his recent involvement has largely been due to injuries in the middle of the defence.

Pique was booed by a section of Barcelona fans during Thursday's 3-0 win over Villarreal, with the defender appearing for the final 12 months of the contest.

During his pre-match press conference, the club's head coach Xavi branded the former Spain international "a great captain" and called for "unity" at Camp Nou.

"At the Gamper I called for unity. It's time to be together. All I can say is that in the dressing room he is an example. And he's a great captain. People need to know that," said the manager.

Jordi Alba in action for Barcelona in December 2021© Reuters

"I don't know why they whistle and I don't care either. What matters to me is that Pique is with us in the dressing room and he always does the best for the group. Today the reaction was required and the team reacted wonderfully. I'm happy to be Pique's coach."

Alba, meanwhile, also has another 18 months left to run on his contract at Barcelona, but the 33-year-old will allegedly be surplus to requirements next year.

The Spaniard has made eight appearances at club level this term, but he faces competition from Marcos Alonso and Alejandro Balde for the starting role at left-back.

Barcelona are believed to have attempted to offload the defender to Inter Milan in the latter stages of the summer transfer window.

Both Alba and Pique are said to be owed large sums by the Catalan outfit in deferred wages due to the financial problems that were worsened by the coronavirus outbreak.

ID:497574:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5151:
Written by
Matt Law

Click here for more stories about Gerard Pique

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona's Ronald Araujo pictured in September 2022
Read Next:
Barcelona missing five players through injury against Inter Milan
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
1.15am
Rams
@
49ers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona17122350193138
2Real Madrid16113234132136
3Atletico MadridAtletico16105130111935
4Athletic Bilbao1795326151132
5Villarreal157532725226
6Real Sociedad167361611524
7Osasuna166642225-324
8Mallorca177371620-424
9GironaGirona166462223-122
10Celta Vigo166372527-221
11Real BetisBetis165651820-221
12Rayo Vallecano155461516-119
13Sevilla165471723-619
14Las PalmasLas Palmas165382227-518
15Getafe163761113-216
16AlavesAlaves164391827-915
17Leganes163671423-915
18Espanyol1541101528-1313
19Valencia142481322-910
20Real ValladolidValladolid1623111134-239


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!