The five Barça players who could form 'Operation Exit' in January

The five Barça players who could form 'Operation Exit' in January

La dirección deportiva del Barça prepara varias salidas en enero
La dirección deportiva del Barça prepara varias salidas en enero | Sport

Valverde's keen to make the squad a little bit lighter

Moving players on will free up room for Coutinho, too

Barcelona have intensified their work in recent weeks in a bid to find players for those not in Ernesto Valverde's plans. CEO Oscar Grau has said that the club are in a position to sign Philippe Coutinho in January, but that there may have to be sales, too. If not in the winter, then next summer, to lower the club's wage bill.  

In that sense, various names are expected to be talked about in the coming weeks as Barça look for homes for some of the players who are not playing regularly. Be that loans of permament moves, here are the players who could feature in 'Operation Exit' at Camp Nou... 

ALEIX VIDAL

One of the main candidates to leave Barça in January. His situation under Valverde is similar to the one he went through under Luis Enrique. The club would like to reach an agreement with Sevilla, where Vidal previously played. A loan with a permanent deal in place for next summer (around 10 million euros) would suit. 

THOMAS VERMAELEN

The centre-back could return to his native Belgium after it transcended there is interest from Anderlecht. Vermaelen, who is Barça's fourth choice centre-back at the moment, has only played once this season -- in the Copa del Rey -- and is aware he needs minutes before next summer's World Cup. 

PACO ALCÁCER

The striker re-emerged before the international break, scoring two goals and becoming the hero of Barça's win against Sevilla. Still, his situation is still not clear -- nor is his future. His form could alert clubs and bring in more money. Inter Milan, Napoli, Celta Vigo and Levante have all shown an interest in the former Valencia front man. 

RAFINHA

Rafinha has not played much in recent seasons due to a number of serious injuries. He has not played since April, in fact, and is still injured. After undergoing a second operation in October, he's expected back in January. Despite his injuries he has a good reputation in Europe and could be on the move for the second half of the season. 

ARDA TURAN

This is the clearest case. The Turkish international was about to leave in the summer. A deal with Galatasaray was in place, but Turan turned it down, killing the operation. For a week, Barça and Galatasaray have been back in talks regarding a January move. After not playing a single minute this season, no one would understand it if Turan turns down the chance to leave again. 

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