Barça needs to sell players in order to register its new signings. The club has closed two important signings with Joan García and the loan of Marcus Rashford and needs to include them in the wage bill. Both are expected to play an important role in Hansi Flick's project, but they can't be registered yet.
To do so, Barça needs to lighten its wage bill and generate income through sales. The financial restrictions imposed by LaLiga force the club to balance its accounts and free up space before registering the new players.
Possible departures of Pau Víctor and Ter Stegen
In this regard, the club is working intensively on possible departures. Two of the names on the table are Pau Víctor and Ter Stegen. Pau Víctor isn't part of Flick's plans and the club is looking for a permanent exit or a new loan.
Ter Stegen's case is much more significant. The German goalkeeper has lost prominence and the club believes his cycle has ended. In addition, his departure would free up one of the highest salaries in the locker room, which would be key to facilitating the registration of Joan García.
Ter Stegen, the key to freeing up the wage bill
As of today, the clearest departure option remains Ter Stegen, mainly because of the impact his exit would have on the wage bill. His contract is one of the highest in the locker room, and letting him go would allow the club to meet several financial objectives. However, the problem is that the player doesn't want to leave.
Despite the club's attempts to convince him, Ter Stegen remains firm. He has even stayed on the sidelines during preseason training, which reflects the existing tension between both parties. Barça insists he won't be the starter and that his future depends on leaving, but for now the German goalkeeper isn't giving in.
Araujo, another delicate case
According to El Nacional, another player whose future is in doubt is Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan center-back has disappointed in recent months and his performance has dropped considerably. The club's intention is that either he lowers his salary, or he'll have to look for a way out this summer.
Araujo has a market and could bring in significant income if the club ultimately decides to sell him. His case adds to Ter Stegen's as examples of players who were important, but whom the club now sees as expendable pieces. Barça needs to make tough decisions in order to move forward in this new stage, with the coming days set to be key.