Three Barcelona players fighting for their future in second half of the season

We are less than a week away before Barcelona restart their career with a home game against local rivals Espanyol.

The Catalan derby will mark the start of the second half of the season, where Barça will be looking to secure the league title as well as the Copa Del Rey. It will also be an important phase for many players, who are looking to prove a point.

Here, at Barça Universal, we will take a look at three Barcelona players who are fighting for their future at Camp Nou, during the second half of the campaign.

Sergi Roberto

Sergi Roberto’s contract was renewed in the summer on the merit of his versatility. Despite starting out his career as a central midfielder, the Spaniard has been utilised as a right-back multiple times in the past.

And with Barcelona lacking proper depth in the right-back position, Roberto’s services were retained in the summer. Halfway into the season, the defender has endured a topsy-turvy campaign. Despite being involved in four goals, he has struggled with consistency.

It is perhaps even fair to say that Roberto has not given the Barcelona board any reason to further extend his contract. As such, it could be imperative for the utility player to make a solid impression during the second half of the campaign.

Franck Kessie

Franck Kessie’s future at Barcelona has become a subject of contention in recent weeks, with many expecting him to leave Camp Nou in search of a new challenge elsewhere.

This is because the Ivorian has broadly disappointed since joining from AC Milan on a free transfer in the summer. Despite being hailed as one of the proactive midfielders in Serie A, Kessie has struggled to find prominence in Xavi’s plans, with many criticising him for not being technically efficient.

As a result, Kessie has fallen behind the likes of Gavi, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Sergio Busquets in the pecking order. He has indeed started in only two league games this term.

However, with Busquets leaving the club at the end of the season, Kessie could potentially carve a name for himself in Xavi’s first-team plans if he can make an impression during the remainder of the campaign, failing which, he could be axed in the summer transfer window.

Memphis Depay

Memphis Depay is one of the few Barcelona players who are facing an uncertain future heading into the upcoming January transfer window.

It appears Barcelona want to offload him in order to generate fresh revenue that may ultimately enable them to sign new players in the market. However, it is worth mentioning that Depay is coming on the back of a solid World Cup campaign with the Netherlands.

Not to mention, Depay’s services might even be utilised by Xavi in the coming weeks, as Barcelona’s star striker Robert Lewandowski is currently facing a three-game suspension.

Depay, to that end, is one of four and arguably the best alternatives for coach Xavi. Should he start, it could be an exciting opportunity for the former Manchester United starlet to prove himself and once again become a key element in the Barcelona frontline.