5 players who need to leave Barcelona to progress

#1 Sergi Samper

Samper

Often labelled the golden boy of La Masia, Sergi Samper can perhaps be seen as more of an example of how things have gone in the most famous youth academy in the world - as opposed to a positive symbol. Samper has cut one of the most divisive figures at the club in recent years, as his inability to break into the first team has confused as many as it has not surprised.

Samper is a talented player, no doubt, with a unique array of abilities, but at times his level can be exaggerated by La Masia flag bearers desperate for a success story for a perceived one of their own. The other side of the argument is that Samper simply isn’t that good, and hasn’t worked hard enough to improve his game or shown the application required to move on to the next level.

A loan to Granada was weak, with Samper not exactly fitting into their style of play as the Andalucian club were relegated from LaLiga. Samper didn’t help himself despite this misfortune and instead showed little in the way of character to elevate himself from a tough situation. Now at Las Palmas, there is a danger of similar happening again, with Samper appearing to be on the periphery at the struggling team from the Canary Islands.

In truth, leaving the goldfish bowl of Barça altogether and severing all ties might be the best option for the player. Doing that could see Samper toughen up and develop into a real player - as opposed to one with little substance.