Dutch stars go in major clear-out at Barca

BARCELONA announced a major squad clear-out yesterday by revealing that Patrick Kluivert, Marc Overmars, Phillip Cocu, Michael Reiziger and Rustu Recber will leave the club this summer.

The move is a clear signal of the club’s intention to slash their wage bill, and sporting director Txiki Begiristain now intends to lower the average age of the squad over the coming months.

The news that the four Dutchmen will leave the club also underlines how coach Frank Rijkaard will rule his players with an iron fist during his second year at the helm.