Joan Laporta continues working to improve FC Barcelona's squad. Despite the delicate economic situation, the blaugrana president wants to make strategic moves. His plan is clear: sell one of the team's most important pieces and, with that money, secure two key signings.
Since his return to the presidency, Laporta has made risky decisions. Some have been successful, like the focus on young talents from La Masia. Others, like certain expensive signings, have raised doubts, however, his intention is to return Barça to the top.
The team needs reinforcements in several positions. Hansi Flick has requested reinforcements, especially in defense and attack. Laporta knows this and is already working on an operation that could shape the club's future.
The departure of an undisputed starter
For Barça to sign, it needs to sell. And the chosen one to leave is a player who has been key in recent years. His performance has been spectacular, but the club believes his sale is necessary.
The transfer market is on the lookout, several European teams have shown interest in acquiring this player. Laporta has set a price and will not accept low offers. The sale must generate enough income to secure the two signings Flick considers essential.
After several meetings between Laporta, Deco, and Flick, the decision is made. Barça has put Ronald Araújo up for sale. The Uruguayan center-back is one of the most sought-after players on the team and has several offers in the Premier League and Serie A.
Araújo's contract was recently renewed. However, his release clause was reduced to 65 million euros (71 million dollars), an accessible figure for many clubs. Juventus and Arsenal have inquired about his situation, and the Barça board believes now is the right time to sell him.
Laporta's goal is to get at least 70 million euros (76 million dollars) from the transfer. With that money, Barça will be able to make the two planned signings.
Two strategic signings
With the money from this sale, Barça already has the two players it wants to incorporate defined. The first is an experienced defender. A player with an imposing physique, quality with the ball, and experience in European competitions.
The second reinforcement is a young winger with a lot of potential. His one-on-one ability and speed would fit perfectly into Flick's scheme. Additionally, he is a player who has been linked to Barça on other occasions.
The club is willing to make an effort. The arrival of these two reinforcements would give the team more balance and elevate its competitive level.
If Araújo leaves, the first reinforcement would be Jonathan Tah, a Bayer Leverkusen defender. Tah is a strong, fast center-back with experience. He becomes a free agent in the summer and already has an agreement with Barça to join as a free agent.
The other major signing would be Nico Williams, a winger from Athletic Club. His explosiveness and quality make him a key piece to strengthen the blaugrana attack. His arrival would cost more than 50 million euros (54 million dollars), but Barça is confident in securing a favorable deal.
Flick approves the plan
Hansi Flick has given the green light to this strategy. The German coach knows that losing Araújo will be a tough blow, but he believes the team can strengthen with these two reinforcements.
The departure of the Uruguayan would allow the squad to be balanced and improve competitiveness in several positions. Additionally, Flick trusts in the progression of young players like Pau Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez, who could take on more prominent roles in defense.
Joan Laporta has activated an ambitious plan. The sale of Araújo will serve to bring in Tah and Nico Williams. The operation is not closed, but contacts are already underway.
Barça is still in full reconstruction. Laporta and Flick are working together to form a competitive team without compromising the club's finances. In the coming months, the Barça fans will know the outcome of this strategic move.