5 Barcelona players Ernesto Valverde will sell this summer

Modified Jun 13, 2017 05:12 GMT

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 31: New FC Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde poses for the media outside the FC Barcelona headquarters at Camp Nou on May 31, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) — Smart moves?

#1 - Javier Mascherano

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 08: Javier Mascherano of Barcelona in action during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg match between FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain at Camp Nou on March 8, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) — Next stop: China?

Easily the biggest name on the list. Javier Mascherano has regularly been starting for Barcelona in recent seasons and has been combining well with Pique, however, he will not be in the squad next season.

The Argentine is in his 30's, and Valverde wants to build a team with youngsters. Marquinhos, Davison Sanchez and Aymeric Laporte are the players who are on the wish-list.

Laporte is the top priority for Valverde as he has worked with him at Athletic Bilbao. The Frenchman is also keen on joining Barcelona this summer.

Mascherano is a target for Chinese Super League sides and is reportedly considering a move there. He wants to retire at River Plate but still, has 2-3 years of top flight football left in him easily.

Edited by Staff Editor