A look at ten players that could be snapped up by English clubs on their way out of the Nou Camp.
10. Victor Valdes
The Spanish shot-stopper announced earlier in the season that he would not be extending his contract with Barcelona, and has hinted that he would favour a new challenge in the Premier League, expressing his fondness for English football. Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked, and despite interest from PSG, an English club seems his most likely destination.
9. David Villa
David Villa has been a fringe player for Barca for much of the season, and nearly left the club for Arsenal in January. The Gunners are unlikely to move for him again, but Liverpool are considering making an offer for the out-of-favour veteran, who would be especially useful if the Reds lose Luis Suarez this summer. Still a talented goalscorer, Villa would improve many Premier League clubs and it’s no insult struggling to get into this Barca side.
8. Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez is widely tipped to be part of Barcelona’s summer clearout plan after failing to impress since his highly anticipated move from Udinese in 2011. The Chilean remains a useful player, capable of playing out wide or upfront, and could find his best form again at a different club. Liverpool and Arsenal have been linked, as have some Serie A clubs, but a move to England is certainly a possibility for a player who surely has no future at the Nou Camp.
7. Cristian Tello
A number of Premier League clubs were alerted when news of Cristian Tello’s minimum release clause was released. The talented youngster has struggled to force his way into Barcelona’s star-studded starting lineup, and would certainly have a great number of suitors in England if he decides to leave. With a number of changes likely to happen at Barca this summer, Tello may feel his future lies elsewhere.
6. Dani Alves
The Brazilian right-back has not enjoyed his best season with Barca, but remains a quality player who is admired by many Premier League sides. Interest from Arsenal has been mentioned, and the Catalan giants may feel it is time to change the right-back position after Alves’ best years may be behind him.
5. Alex Song
Alex Song only joined Barcelona from Arsenal last summer, but his signing already looks like a poor decision from the club. The Cameroon midfielder has barely featured for Tito Vilanova’s side and is understood to be unhappy with sitting on the bench. A return to Arsenal was mentioned, though Arsene Wenger ruled it out, and he has also been linked with Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester City.
4. Eric Abidal
A popular player with the Barca fans, but the club may call time on Eric Abidal’s career at the Nou Camp after his various illness problems. Liverpool have been linked with the Frenchman and Tottenham are understood to be looking for a new left-back, so he wouldn’t be short of offers from England if he decides to leave this summer.
3. Thiago Alcantara
The talented young playmaker is simply the victim of having the world’s best midfielders ahead of him, and Barca may accept that they have to let Thiago Alcantara leave to further his career. The 22-year-old has been previously linked with Manchester United and Arsenal, both of whom could be on the lookout for midfielders in the next transfer window. A move abroad could be just what the Spaniard needs to fulfill his enormous potential.
2. Ibrahim Afellay
After spending the season on loan at Bundesliga side Schalke, Ibrahim Afellay is unlikely to be at Barcelona next season. The talented Dutch attacker very much fits the Arsenal mould of playing and has been linked with the Gunners several times in his career. Although Schalke are probably favourites to keep Afellay permanently, there could be offers on the table from a few English clubs.
1. Cesc Fabregas
The former Arsenal captain seems increasingly frustrated with life back at his boyhood club. It was always thought that the Spaniard would leave the Gunners and fulfill his dream of playing for Barcelona, but he has struggled to find his best form, often playing second fiddle to Xavi and Iniesta or being played out of position. Playing under Pep Guardiola was obviously a big incentive for his move to Barca as well, but he and Tito Vilanova may not be on quite the same wavelength. The midfielder would surely be welcomed back to the Emirates Stadium if Arsene Wenger chooses to activate his buy-back clause.