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The 2019-20 season proved to be a harsh reality check for Barcelona, as they finished trophyless for the first time since the 2013-14 campaign.
Having started the season with Ernesto Valverde as the manager, Barcelona opted to part ways with the Spaniard mid-way through the season, as the former Athletic Bilbao man failed to turn around a series of underwhelming results.
Quique Setien was appointed as his successor and it didn't take long for him to get the sack. Barcelona surrendered the league title to arch-rivals Real Madrid and were also dumped out of the UEFA Champions League in embarrassing circumstances, as they were beaten 8-2 by Bayern Munich.
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Ronald Koeman tasked with impossible job of rebuilding Barcelona
Ronald Koeman has been identified as Setien's replacement, with the former Barcelona defender signing a three-year deal to take over as the club's manager. Having represented the club previously, Koeman knows what it takes to lead the Catalan giants to where they belong and is an experienced campaigner at the top level.
Barcelona are in desperate need of a rebuild and could let go of several star players this summer, as they look to bring in young players to oversee a new era. On that note, here are five Barcelona stars who could be cast aside by Ronald Koeman.
#5 Ivan Rakitic
At the age of 32, Ivan Rakitic is approaching the end of his glittering career for club and country. The Croatian midfielder has been a key player for the Catalan giants since moving from Sevilla in the summer of 2014 and has a fantastic trophy cabinet to show for his exploits at the club.
However, in recent seasons, Rakitic has struggled to produce the goods consistently, with his game time gradually reducing in the past 12 months. With the likes of Carles Alena and Riqui Puig emerging through the ranks at Barcelona, Rakitic's days in Catalonia are numbered.
Koeman could look to move the midfielder on this summer, as opposed to losing him on a free transfer 12 months later.
#4 Arturo Vidal
Much like Ivan Rakitic, Arturo Vidal is past his prime and could be moved on from Barcelona this summer in favour of the younger players. The combative midfielder has been a useful option for the Catalan club since signing from Bayern Munich in 2018, with his tough tackling and energy in midfielder adding a different dimension to their options.
Vidal, however, looks certain to leave the club this summer as part of Barcelona's mass exodus to overhaul their squad. The Chilean midfielder has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, where he could reunite with former manager Antonio Conte.
It's hard to find a role for a player of Vidal's skillset under Koeman's philosophy and it remains likely that the 33-year-old will be shipped off this summer.
Also Read: 5 players who will play for Real Madrid or Barcelona in the future
#3 Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets is the third midfielder on the list which proves that Barcelona need a bit of an overhaul in the centre of the park. A reliable member of the Catalan club for more than a decade now, Busquets has blown hot and cold in recent seasons and is approaching the end of his Barcelona career.
While his technical ability cannot be questioned, Busquets cannot compete at the top level consistently at the age of 32. With Miralem Pjanic joining the club this summer, the Spaniard is expected to play a reduced role, as the former Juventus midfielder looks to take his place in the squad.
Having worked with Frenkie de Jong with the Netherlands, Koeman is sure to use the young Dutchman as the lynchpin of his midfield. With Pjanic coming in and the likes of Puig, Alena, and Sergi Roberto amongst others already in the squad, Busquets could be let go off by the club this summer.
#2 Samuel Umtiti
Having started his Barcelona career in flying colors, Samuel Umtiti's dream move is slowly turning into a nightmare. The Frenchman has found himself in and out of the squad due to a combination of injuries and poor form, due to which he has been usurped by Clement Lenglet as Gerard Pique's partner.
Umtiti's recent record suggests that he is not reliable enough at the heart of the defence, while Lenglet has firmly established himself as Barcelona's present and the future. With the Catalan giants looking to add to their ranks defensively this summer, the Frenchman could be on his way out of the club.
Manchester City's Eric Garcia has been linked with a return to Barcelona, while free agent Malang Sarr has also reportedly been sounded out by Eric Abidal.
#1 Luis Suarez
To get their rebuild up and running, Barcelona have to make a couple of hard decisions. One such move is to part with Luis Suarez this summer, with the striker entering the final year of his contract.
The Uruguayan is one of the greatest attackers in the club's recent history and has won 13 major trophies at the club since moving from Liverpool in the summer of 2014. However, in recent seasons, Suarez has misfired in front of goal and the brutal truth is he is past his best despite what his goal tally might suggest.
Barcelona could look to move him on this summer, with Eredivisie side Ajax interested in re-signing him. The Catalan giants could look to play Antoine Griezmann up front and have also been linked with a move for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.
Suarez is not likely to be part of Barcelona's long-term plans and could well be amongst several high profile players to be sold this summer.
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