Barcelona hoping to offload three forwards in the summer transfer window

As we enter the business end of the 2021/22 campaign, plans for the summer transfer window have already begun at Barcelona as they look to equip Xavi with the best possible squad to take the club back to its past heights.

Erling Haaland has been identified as the priority target by the Catalan heavyweights, who are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of the Norwegian international. Defensive reinforcements are also being eyed, with a deal for Andreas Christensen already close to completion.

However, at the same time, Xavi & co. will also look to trim the squad in order to keep the wage bill under check by getting rid of players who could be deemed as surplus to requirements. Defenders like Clement Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti and Oscar Mingueza could end up on the chopping blocks.

At the same time, some forwards could also be cut from the roster, reports SPORT. As per the update, Barça would be open to offloading Memphis Depay and Martin Braithwaite in the summer transfer window, while also letting go of Luuk de Jong from the squad.

Memphis signed for the Blaugrana only last summer and had a fine start to life in La Liga before experiencing a dip in form. Following more than two months out on the sidelines with injury, he has returned recently and looked good, scoring two in two games.

But, as it is Barcelona have plenty of options in attack and once Ansu Fati is back from injury, the Dutchman could find himself further down the pecking order. With his contract also expiring in 2023, an exit could be on the cards.

The same holds for Braithwaite as well, who has been a valuable squad player for the club in the past but does not find a place in Xavi’s plans on a regular basis anymore.

The Dane is already way down in the order of preference at Camp Nou and Haaland’s potential arrival would push him even lower. So, a parting of ways would make sense for all parties.

As for Luuk de Jong, after a difficult first half of the season, the Dutchman has shown his worth with some crucial goals in 2022. But, the Catalans never intended to make his switch from Sevilla permanent and he will be on his way back once the loan spell expires at the end of the season.