Adama Traoré looking unlikely to continue at Barcelona
The winger’s continuity at Camp Nou seems improbable - especially if Dembélé renews, Raphinha signs and Álex Collado returns from his loan at Granada.
With each day that passes, Adama Traoré is growing increasingly aware that the chances of him continuing at Barcelona are getting slimmer. Barcelona have an option to buy the winger, who is on loan until 30 June, for 24 million euros. But club sources have told AS that there is no plan to trigger that purchase clause which means the player will return to Wolverhampton. And right now it is also looking unlikely that the Catalans are considering the possibility of a swap deal with Francisco Trincão, who is under contract with Barça until 2025 but currently out on loan at Wolves.
Adama’s role within the side has also diminished in recent weeks. In the last 10 games, he has only started once - the first leg of the Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt. His wavering performance levels explain why Xavi is only giving him limited playing time. Out of the four players the club signed in the winter transfer window, he is the only one who has yet to score - as a forward, that was one of the reasons Barça brought him in.
Dembélé and Raphinha
Adama’s situation depends on several other factors. One is Ousmane Dembélé, who has been sending clear messages about his desire to renew his contract with the club. That, together with the signing of Leeds winger Raphinha, which is believed to be at an advanced stage as well as the return of Álex Collado, who is halfway through a six-month loan at Granada, leaves no room for Adama. There is also the possibility that Barça will recover Trincão.
Even the fact that his contract with Wolves is due to expire next year goes against him - Barcelona see no need to pay out 24 million for a player who they can sign for free in 12 months’ time.
Another player who is in a delicate situation is Dani Alves, although there is a chance that he will stay on for another season at Camp Nou. Much of that will hinge on what happens with Sergiño Dest and César Azplicueta. If Dest doesn’t move on and Barca sign the Chelsea captain, Alves will have to pack his bags - and not forgetting that Sergi Roberto has agreed a one-year extension club, which means that the right-back position is amply covered.