What next for Barcelona loanees Song, Halilovic, Montoya & Tello?

FC Barcelona are working on their squad for next season. The club are not only scouring the market for signings, though. They also have to decide what to do with the players who have spent the past year on loan at various clubs. 

Here’s how they have done: 

ALEX SONG

Age: 28

Position: Midfield

Team: West Ham 

Song had an irregular season at West Ham due to injury problems. He only played 12 Premier League games. The English club have told Barça they do not plan to exercise their right to buy him. The Cameroonian still has one more year on his deal at Barça, but the Catalan club don’t count on him either. He is on the market, but it’s not been ruled out that the final season on his contract could be rescinded. 

ALEN HALILOVIC 

Age: 19 

Position: Attacking midfield

Team: Sporting 

Without doubt, the Croatian has grown as a player thanks to his year on loan in Gijon. He played in 36 of Sporting’s 38 league games (starting 24 of them). He scored five goals, created five more and contributed to the team’s La Liga safety. However, his defensive contribution continues to be a weak point, which is why Barça are planning to loan or sell him (with a buy-back option) this summer. Valencia are one of the most interested clubs. 

MARTIN MONTOYA 

Age: 25 

Position: Right-back

Team: Inter/Real Betis 

The defender had two very difference experiences this summer. First on loan at Inter, he returned to La Liga after having very few opportunities at the Italian club. At Betis, he returned to playing football. An undisputed starter, he played as both a right-back and a left-back under Juan Merino. He will not continue in Seville, though, as the club cannot afford him, despite being very happy with his performances. 

CRISTIAN TELLO 

Age: 24

Position: Forward

Team: Porto/Fiorentina

After arriving at Porto in the summer of 2014, the forward swapped Portugal for Italy, joining Fiorentina in January. In Serie A he has played 15 games, scoring two goals nd providing five assists. The club’s sporting director Daniele Prade is happy with Tello’s form and would consider paying the eight million euros to sign him permanently.