Xavi ‘tells Barcelona to offload seven more players’ in summer overhaul

Xavi is having a clear out

Barcelona manager Xavi is reportedly planning to offload seven more players during the summer transfer window as he looks to refresh his squad. The Spaniard is keen to add reinforcements ahead of the new campaign - hoping to close the gap on reigning LaLiga champions Real Madrid, while also searching for Champions League glory. However, Xavi understands that the club need to sell players before pursuing any new transfer targets due to the financial circumstances at the Catalan club. Several players have already departed Camp Nou this summer, with Philippe Coutinho sealing a permanent switch to Aston Villa after spending the second half of last season on loan with the Midlands club.

Clement Lenglet joined Tottenham on loan from Barcelona after making more than 100 appearances for the club, while Rey Manaj joined Watford.

Barcelona also parted ways with Dani Alves for a second time after the Brazilian veteran returned to Spain in December last year.

Xavi keen to move a number of players on

As reported by The Sun, Xavi now wants to sell seven more players during the summer transfer window. Among those expected to the leave the club are Neto, Samuel Umtiti, Martin Braithwaite and Memphis Depay.

Spanish news publication Sport add that the 42-year-old is looking to 'force' Neto, Umtiti and Braithwaite out of the door before the end of the window.

Academy graduates Oscar Mingueza and Riqui Puig have also been touted as two potential departures, according to Mundo Deportivo.  https://twitter.com/DeadlineDayLive/status/1547158587067318273

Dutchman set to depart

Depay is also expected the leave the Camp Nou this summer, with the Dutchman being told that he is no longer part of Xavi's plans for next season. The former Manchester United man struggled with injuries last campaign and fell down the pecking order behind Ferran Torres and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Meanwhile, Frenkie de Jong is edging closer to a move to Old Trafford after the Barcelona and United reportedly agreed a package for the midfielder worth an initial £55m that could potentially rise to £72m.

Related links:

• Barcelona want Manchester United to ‘pay Frenkie de Jong’s unpaid wages’
• Dani Alves claims Barcelona have ‘sinned’ following his departure from the club
• Barcelona brutally leave Sergi Roberto out in cropped photo