Two Barcelona players who could leave on loan in the summer – report

With Barcelona having lofty ambitions in the summer transfer window, there will be some casualties in the current squad.

The Catalan giants are planning a major splurge, targeting a marquee forward, a new right-back, a left-back, a centre-back and a winger. At the same time, a new midfielder is also set to arrive at the club, with a deal for Franck Kessie already believed to be tied up.

Given the overhaul that Xavi Hernandez is planning, naturally, there will be players who will have to be axed permanently from the roster. Fringe players like Samuel Umtiti, Martin Braithwaite fall into this category.

At the same time, there are a few players who are likely to be sent out on loan to help improve their playing situation before potentially reintegrating them into the side.

Now, Fichajes has come up with a report claiming that Barcelona are planning to send out two players out on loan for the next season in order to aid their development.

Riqui Puig

The first on the list, as per the report, is midfield prodigy Riqui Puig, who has not flourished at the first-team level as expected. One of the most precocious talents to have come through La Masia, the 22-year-old, has struggled for game-time ever since his senior debut under Ernesto Valverde.

He was completely out of favour under Ronald Koeman, and the situation has not seen much improvement under Xavi. So, an exit on loan makes sense for the Spaniard, with Premier League club Wolves showing an interest in acquiring his services for the next season.

Ez Abde

The second player who can be allowed to leave on loan is young winger Ez Abde. The forward joined the club only last year and has been a part of the B team at Barça. However, an injury crisis in the first-team setup earned him a pathway into the side, and he made the most of it, making a distinct impression under Xavi.

However, following the January acquisitions of Ferran Torres, Adama Traore and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Abde has dropped back to the B squad, having failed to get much game-time with the senior side.

Xavi has praised him in the past and seems to rate the 20-year-old highly. But with Barcelona likely to bring in at least another attacking player in the summer, a loan stint away from Camp Nou would help build the youngster for the future.