Barcelona take their final decision on three players — report

As the summer progresses and the new season edges closer, Barcelona’s tasks seem to be endless. Their predicaments are understandable given the financial hole the previous board of directors had dug for them. Nevertheless, it has been up to Joan Laporta and his board to solve their crises since he took over as club president for the second time.

With Lionel Messi’s contract renewal just a matter of days and minor details, a big task has been brushed aside, but the challenges do not end there. Barcelona still have a lot of cleaning up to do in terms of streamlining the first team and trimming their unbridled salary mass.

And as per reports from today’s editions of Spanish media, Barcelona are now beginning to take strong decisions about the futures of certain players. SPORT state that three key names include Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann and Ousmane Dembele. Players who have all commanded massive fees in wages and to facilitate their signings but have not justified their price tags on the pitch.

It is reported that Coutinho’s prospects at the club have now officially ended. The Brazilian could finally pass his medicals today, relieving him of the knee injury that has plagued him since December. Now it is a matter of waiting for the club, who will sell the midfielder once a decent offer arrives.

The same applies to Griezmann, who has been at the heart of some fiery speculation regarding a return to Atletico Madrid in a sensational swap deal, with Saul Niguez coming the other way. Le Petit Prince reportedly has his days numbered now as a Blaugrana.

The case of Ousmane Dembele is more complex due to his long-term injury, which will make it difficult to sell the player. He will be pressured to renew so that he does not leave for free after his contract ends next year. If not, he will be sentenced to the sidelines.

Mundo Deportivo report that there will be a meeting to discuss the winger’s future next week. They also state that he will not be allowed to play if he does not renew. However, they say that Barcelona still believe in his quality and would like to keep hold of him since he is an unpredictable player and just 24-years old. All that could change, however, if an offer comes in or his injury woes do not cease.