Every summer seems to bring a sea of changes for FC Barcelona. In 2022, La Blaugrana brought in a new cast of players, with Andreas Christensen and Robert Lewandowski eventually playing starring roles in their return to the very top of LaLiga.
In the past summer transfer window, Barça brought in loanees João Cancelo and João Félix with new free-agent midfielder Ilkay Gündogan, but with the club in fourth at the Christmas break, the new injection of veteran talent hasn’t quite paid off.
A lot of that is down to how much the squad has been hurt by injuries, as well as the departure of legendary holding midfielder Sergio Busquets.
In 2024, Barcelona figure to be aggressive with bolstering their attack, fortifying the midfield, and adding depth to the flanks in defense and attack.
However, Barça will also have to contemplate the departures of several players, including big names like 2022 signings Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.
According to a report from Diario Sport’s L. Miguelsanz, Sergi Roberto and Marcos Alonso are two additional veteran players whom Barcelona are contemplating letting go in the 2024 summer window.
Both players are on expiring contracts, so it would be easy to let them walk. Neither would likely sign new deals with other clubs until the season ends, in the hopes of Barça offering them a contract.
Alonso’s case is cut and dry. He does not fit Barcelona. The wing back is too poor defensively to play in the Barça back four, which he showed time and time again when miscast as a center back. He should not have been signed in the first place.
Roberto’s case is more difficult and is similar to that of Real Madrid’s veteran squad player Lucas Vázquez. While Roberto isn’t the most talented player and a cut below what Barça normally have, his heart and experience make up for it.
As he recently showed with his important goals, Roberto can come up big for Barcelona and helps the team with his versatility. His attitude is A1.
Roberto could be let go at this point to clear space for someone new, but it would also be unsurprising if the Blaugrana reconsidered bringing him back for one more season before finally cutting ties.