If Barcelona buy a midfielder, they will need to sell at least one, but most probably two midfielders as they reshape the squad, and possibly even more. That’s to free up space in the rotation as well as to raise funds, particularly if Barça intends to spend big to pry Marco Verratti from Paris Saint-Germain.

Not only that, but Barça are buying a right-back and shifting Sergi Roberto to midfield, and the rotation is already stacked in quantity if not quality. There’s also rumors that Barcelona are buying Gerard Deulofeu back, which would mean some midfielders who were used primarily as wingers could be shifted out, assuming Deulofeu himself isn’t sold. Not to mention, Sergi Samper comes back from loan while Carles Aleñá could be promoted from the B team.

The interesting thing is there are cases to be made for both keeping and selling almost all the midfielders past the first few. So, who would you sell?

Nope. Just kidding.

Chances of leaving: None

Andres Iniesta

There were rumors that Barcelona would sell him, but I really doubt anyone here wants to do that. So another nope.

Chances of leaving: Almost none

Ivan Rakitic

Rakitic has been Barcelona’s starter for a few seasons now, and while he’s certainly been good, he’s not irreplaceable. Someone like Verratti would make Rakitic a sub, and at that point, is it too much money for a person on the bench?

Chances of leaving: Low

Andre Gomes

Gomes had a disappointing first season at the Camp Nou, but he’s clearly talented. With a year to adjust under his belt and signs of improvement, is it foolish to sell him now? Or should Barça recoup their investment while they still can?

Chances of leaving: Medium

Sergi Roberto

Roberto will be back in midfield next season if he remains on the team, which means one player will have to leave to accommodate him in the midfield rotation. That is, unless Roberto himself is shipped out. However, Roberto has proven a versatile player, and many think he deserves the chance to show what he can do at his preferred spot.

Chances of leaving: Low

Arda Turan

Probably the likeliest candidate to be the first to be sold. Arda hasn’t functioned well as a midfielder, with his best performances coming on the left wing. Despite having had time to adjust, he’s not lived up to the reputation he built at Atletico Madrid. The question is how much money can be recouped from his exit.

Chances of leaving: High

Rafinha

Rafinha was Luis Enrique’s pet project, having coached him at Barcelona B and Celta Vigo before bringing him into the Barça first team. Does new coach Ernesto Valverde have just as much faith in him? Certainly, he showed he can be a good utility player, but is his injury history too much of a risk?

Chances of leaving: Medium

Denis is young and very talented. He’s already proven himself in La Liga playing for Villarreal, but he failed to make his mark in his first season as part of the FC Barcelona first team set up. The question is: how much patience can Barça afford to show?

Chances of leaving: Medium

Carles Aleñá

Aleñá played a bit under Luis Enrique, having spent most of the year as part of the B team. Barcelona are trying to finish up his renewal, but even if we assume that is successful, the question becomes: will he be loaned out or be retained in some way?

Chances of leaving: Likely on loan

Sergi Samper

He played on loan last season, and his future isn’t quite clear. He didn’t exactly light the world on fire at Granada, but he does have bags of potential. The issue is, a coach has to really believe in him to justify bringing him back. Otherwise, will he accept a loan? Or will he be sold for good?

Chances of leaving: High

Now I want to hear from you. Let’s assume Iniesta and Busquets stay, while Turan leaves. Let’s also put aside the two that weren’t in the squad last season, Aleñá and Samper. Who is the first midfielder that needs to go?