Should FC Barcelona Sell Lucas Digne and Andre Gomes?

No, in my opinion, FC Barcelona should not sell any of them. Here’s why:

Andre Gomes: Midfield Potential and Youth

Andre Gomes, at 24 years old, has immense potential that was fully showcased at Valencia, a prime example being his impressive performances in the previous season. Despite some lackluster performances in the last season, Gomes is currently demonstrating promising signs in his game, indicating his worthiness in Barcelona's midfield.

Currently, the midfield consists of aged veterans like Iniesta (33), Busquets (30), Rakitic (31), and Paulinho (31) in terms of experience. Despite their expertise, it is crucial to enable the growth and development of younger talents. Footballers at an age of 24 are in the prime phase of their career, making it ideal to hone their skills rather than send them out. Players like Denis Suárez, Roberto, and even Coutinho, while valuable, are already part of the first team and have established themselves.

Additionally, while there are La Masia prospects like Oriol and Alenya knocking at the door, that is a separate story. It would be a disservice to deny Andre Gomes the opportunity to develop within a high-stakes environment like FC Barcelona.

Digne: An Up-and-Coming Left Back

Digne is a defensive revelation and has immense potential to become one of the best left-backs at FC Barcelona. It is evident from his consistent performances that he can effectively handle the position. While Jordi Alba is also a noteworthy competitor for this position, he is 29 this March, raising concerns about his future pace. As Digne continues to develop, his role may become increasingly pivotal. Therefore, keeping Digne will ensure that FC Barcelona maintains a formidable left-back position.

Conclusion: Not Having Herd on Both Players

Both players, Digne and Gomes, demonstrate talent but require more playing time to fulfill their potential.

Andre Gomes should not be sold as he is a part of a strong midfield lineup that includes Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta, Denis Suárez, Roberto, and Coutinho. Adding young talent to this group could only enhance the team’s competitiveness. Similarly, while Jordi Alba is an integral part of the team, he is nearing a stage where his physicality might decline.

In conclusion, FC Barcelona should not sell either player. If they decide to move either Andre Gomes or Digne, I suggest a loan move to a club that can provide the necessary playing time and exposure. For Andre Gomes, clubs like Valencia, Atletico Madrid, or Liverpool in the Premier League could be ideal. For Digne, Bayern Munich, like the example of James Rodriguez, could be a good fit.

Ultimately, the primary goal should be to provide both players the platform to grow and flourish, ensuring they maintain their competitive edge in the realm of professional football.