Xavi’s order of preference for Barcelona wingers this season – report

The rumour mill is churning out news thick and fast as deadline day dawns upon spectators, with merely hours left before the transfer window is concluded.

Barcelona’s exit ramp has gone from being barren to fairly populated in these closing stages, and it is not ruled out that more players may end up bidding goodbye.

Ez Abde is one of the players currently facing an uncertain future at the club, as a demotion in the pecking order has made him more receptive to an exit.

Xavi’s pecking order for wingers

Indeed, according to Achraf Ben Ayad, Abde is considering leaving because Xavi’s priorities for the flanks are currently in this order: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres.

Yamal is enjoying a breakthrough campaign and has easily been the standout player for Barça in the first three matches of the season.

Raphinha was expected to take over Ousmane Dembele on the right flank, but his red card in the first game, coupled with Yamal’s explosion, has seen the Brazilian drop to second place.

Ferran Torres, meanwhile, is the third in the order of preference, with the Spaniard making a big impression each time he has come on from the bench.

Abde has not featured much this season

After an impressive loan spell at Osasuna, Abde expects more importance in the squad and desires more minutes.

As such, Abde is unsettled by the hierarchy and seeking a departure due to his waning significance, which will inevitably lead to sporadic game-time.

While Xavi has been reported to be in favour of Abde’s continuity, the winger has garnered a great deal of interest from clubs across Europe.

Real Betis have so far been leading the race to land Abde, but the deal has yet to be sealed, and thus new competitors have entered the pursuit.

Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers have sprung forth as interested parties, vying for Abde’s signature.