With the summer transfer window just around the corner, Barça is already working to balance the wage bill. Joan Laporta, together with Deco and Flick, has made it clear that before signing new players, they need to sell or at least free up salaries.
Barça wants to strengthen the squad competitively. Among the set objectives is the addition of a top-level left winger, with Luis Díaz as the top priority, as well as the arrival of a new goalkeeper.
Andreas Christensen, Pau Víctor, and Ansu Fati among the candidates to leave
Andreas Christensen, for example, could be one of those sacrificed if an attractive offer arrives. His profile appeals to Premier League clubs, and his departure would allow for savings in salary costs. Meanwhile, Pau Víctor could look for playing time away from the first team, either through a sale or a loan.
Ronald Araújo appears to be completely ruled out as a departure. The Uruguayan center-back has been linked with several clubs, but he has said that he wants to stay at Barça. The club also values his commitment and leadership, so his continuity is guaranteed.
Ansu Fati, the first to leave for Monaco
The first departure, however, already has a name and destination. Ansu Fati will be the first to leave the blaugrana squad this summer, but it won't be a permanent transfer, at least for now. The forward will go on loan to AS Monaco, in a deal that will include a purchase option worth €20 million.
The loan is seen as a beneficial solution for all parties: Barça lightens the wage bill and makes room, while Ansu will be able to get the minutes he hasn't managed to secure. Although this isn't the outcome many imagined for the player who inherited Messi's number 10 jersey, it does seem to be a provisional solution.
The locker room, affected by Ansu's departure
However, the news hasn't been well received in every corner of the Barça locker room. Players like Gavi, who has been very close to Ansu Fati since the youth ranks, have received the announcement with sadness. The forward was not only a teammate but also an emotional pillar within the group.
His departure is felt as a significant loss on a human level, beyond the sporting aspect. Ansu Fati was loved and respected by everyone, and his exit will leave an emotional void in the squad.