Barcelona to axe four big names from starting XI?

The first team could look a bit different under Ronald Koeman

Barcelona are reportedly planning to axe four established stars from their starting XI for next season as they start life under new manager Ronald Koeman.

According to Cadena SER, new technical director Ramon Planes and Koeman have already been discussing building a new team and are preparing to make major changes.

The report reckons Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez may all have to get used to sitting on the bench if they stay.

It’s not clear who will replace the quartet in the team, particularly at left-back where Barcelona only really have Junior Firpo available.

Ronald Araujo (and potentially Eric Garcia) are being tipped as Gerard Pique’s eventual replacements, Frenkie de Jong could come in for Busquets, while Antoine Griezmann, Ansu Fati. Martin Braithwaite and Ousmane Dembele are available in attack with Lionel Messi.

The report also states that Pique, Busquets, Sergi Roberto and Suarez all want to talk to their new boss and state their case for staying at the club.

Indeed Mundo Deportivo are also reporting that Suarez wants to stay at the Camp Nou for at least another year.

Source: barcablaugranes.com