Keep, loan or sell? The players Barcelona should allow to leave in the 2023 summer transfer window

Barca have reportedly gone back and forth on this one. Chatter suggests that Ansu will be allowed to leave for the right price, while Xavi has been non-committal. However, it may be in the Blaugrana's best interests to keep him around.

At just 21, with immense potential, the forward can still offer a lot. And he's shown in brief glimpses that he could yet be world-class. It is also likely that potential suitors will be put off by his injury record.

Ultimately, Barcelona need to raise money, and Ansu might not fetch a worthy return. He's also promising enough to give another shot. If a massive bid comes in, though, letting him go might be worth considering.

Barcelona have goals to hit, and Raphinha is the most obvious pathway to doing so. The Brazilian has enjoyed a solid first season in La Liga, reaching double-digit goal contributions in all competitions, while finding his feet in a new system.

Still, the Blaugrana look far better when Ousmane Dembele is on the pitch. Xavi loves the Frenchman, leaving Raphinha as little more than an expensive rotation option. A player of his quality, at a good age, can fetch a handsome fee. Barcelona might not like it, Xavi probably won't, but Raphinha should be allowed to leave.

This is a no-brainer. De Jong has finally found his best form at Barcelona, less than 12 months after being almost certain to leave the club. Somehow, exit rumours have stuck around, with Manchester United supposedly still interested. Tough for them. De Jong should, and will, stay in Camp Nou.

He's been at Barcelona for 18 months, and it's difficult to see what, exactly, Torres brings to the club. He's not necessarily a prolific goalscorer, a consistent provider of assists, or particularly creative presence. That's not great for a player the Blaugrana imprudently dropped €55 million (£46m/$62m) on.

The good news is Torres is still young, and has shown flashes of the highly-rated player that emerged from Valencia nearly five years ago. But he doesn't fit into this side. Barca would be wise to sell.

The Gavi contract fiasco has dragged on for nearly six months now. Basically, Barcelona handed him a massive deal to stay at the club. However, financial problems have made them unable to register him.

And, theoretically, if the Blaugrana fail to do so, he could walk on a free this summer — despite his very public desire not to leave the club. Barcelona should get rid of everyone else before the reigning Golden Boy winner.

Umtiti has enjoyed a solid season at Lecce, and has never really been part of Xavi's plans at Barcelona. At 29 and coming off an agreeable loan, Umiti seems certain to leave. He's unlikely to fetch a handsome sum, but his value will only decrease. Barcelona will probably take whatever they can get for a player under contract until 2026.

Xavi seems to like Garcia, despite his obvious defensive flaws. The Spaniard's poor form at centre-back has made it clear that he is very much not a reliable option in the position. But the manager has explored a possible solution by moving him to a defensive midfield position against weaker opposition, with occasional appearances there as a substitute, too. And it's worked, albeit in a small sample size.

Garcia is flawed, and not much fun, but he could be a valuable squad player. Hang onto him — for now.

This one is reportedly almost wrapped up. Lenglet has been one of very few bright spots for Tottenham this season, and Spurs are reportedly ready to meet Barca's asking price for the centre-back. It won't be a particularly big-money or marquee sale, but it will clear a reasonably big contract off the books.

A few months ago, this wouldn't have been a question. Kessie was a key part of the Blaugrana's squad for much of the spring, and even grabbed the only goal in a famous 1-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu in March. But he faded out of the side as the season wore on — even when there was a clear path into the XI due to injuries around him.

Since then, there's been talk of a move away, with Italian press suggesting that Champions League finalists Inter would be interested in his signature. But Barcelona need midfield depth, and Kessie still has a lot to offer. He won't be a star, but good squad players are necessary for top teams.

Dest has been a curious case for the Blaugrana. He had a few excellent performances during the 2020-21 season, including one standout showing in an otherwise forgettable Clasico. But Xavi swiftly loaned him out, and has since made it clear that he doesn't see the American as part of his long-term plans.

AC Milan haven't exactly helped Dest out, either, with the right-back struggling for minutes in Italy. Barcelona now seem certain to sell. How much they get, though, remains to be seen.

A fringe player for the Blaugrana, teenager Alarcon has shown flashes in a few cameos. At this point, the forward is too good for the youth side, but not quite ready for anything but the occasional Copa del Rey appearance. A loan move might be in everyone's best interests.

Trincao endured a poor winter for Sporting CP, but has since turned things around, and after a strong end to the season, has won over a previously skeptical fan base. Everything points towards that loan deal now being made permanent.

He's a solid footballer, but one Barcelona will have few gripes parting with.

Nico was once regarded as an heir-apparent to Sergio Busquets, and one of Barcelona's most promising prospects. Things haven't quite panned out, though, and Xavi showed little hesitation in loaning him out to Valencia last summer. He enjoyed a mixed season, making 25 appearances, but struggled with a metatarsal injury that kept him out for nearly three months.

Xavi has suggested that Nico might be given a chance to impress, but it could well be the case that he gets a brief look in pre-season before being sent off on loan or even sold.