With the additions of Marcus Rashford, who arrives on loan from Manchester United, and Joan García, signed from Espanyol to strengthen the goal, Barça considers the chapter of arrivals practically closed. Now, Deco's full attention is on outgoing transfers. The club needs to adjust its wage bill and balance its accounts, as well as free up space so Flick can work with a smaller and more competitive group.
The sporting management is aware that, in order to register the new signings and keep an economic balance, it's essential to move on several footballers who aren't in the plans. The preseason and the Asian tour present a good opportunity to speed up these processes and make final decisions.
Iñaki Peña and Oriol Romeu, the first on the list
In this regard, two names stand out above the rest as priorities to leave: Iñaki Peña and Oriol Romeu. The goalkeeper, who's been a regular substitute in recent seasons, isn't in Flick's plans, who fully trusts Joan García as the starter and Tek as the backup. Peña is already considering offers and his departure seems imminent.
Meanwhile, Oriol Romeu isn't in the plans at all. According to various reports, the club is even considering granting him a letter of freedom to facilitate his exit and lighten the wage cost.
Araujo, possible sale to raise funds
Although it's not as clear a case as the previous ones, Ronald Araujo's future remains uncertain. According to El Nacional, the Uruguayan center-back could be one of the players sacrificed to raise funds. Although he has a valid contract, he's lost prominence in the team and is no longer an undisputed starter in defense, since Pau Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez are ahead of him.
Barça, which needs income, would welcome a strong offer for Araujo. In addition, his sale would allow the club to finance future operations and reduce the pressure of fair play. Several European clubs have already shown interest, although no formal proposal has arrived so far.
Héctor Fort, another name on the way out
Another player who seems to be halfway out of the club is Héctor Fort. The young right-back, who seemed set to establish himself in the first team, isn't in Hansi Flick's plans. The German coach prefers to rely on Jules Koundé and Eric García for that position, which leaves the youth player with few options.
According to El Nacional, Barça is already listening to offers for him and even a loan with a purchase option is being considered. The idea is for him to keep developing in another competitive environment.