Barça is very clear that one of the main goals for the summer is to strengthen the left wing. The sporting management is already considering several prominent names on its list. Marcus Rashford, Rafael Leão, and Luis Díaz are the three main candidates the club is evaluating.
However, bringing in any of these footballers involves a complex operation. It's not only because of the transfer fee, but also due to the high salary each of them demands. For this reason, before going after one of them, Barça needs to do its homework at home to return to normality regarding the salary cap.
The priority is to return to the 1:1 rule
In order to make signings like this, the club needs to return to the so-called 1:1 rule imposed by La Liga. Currently, Barça is still subject to restrictions that only allow it to use a reduced percentage of the income caused. Returning to the full rule is the only way to regain competitiveness in the market.
That is the priority right now in the offices: sell players and reduce the wage bill to gain room for maneuver. The blaugrana club knows that in order to compete with Europe's top clubs for players like Leão or Luis Díaz, it needs a healthier economy and a more contained wage structure.
Ter Stegen, the key to the market
Among all the possible departures, the one that appears to be the most decisive is Ter Stegen's. The German goalkeeper, one of the highest-paid players in the squad, is no longer in the club's plans for next season. At 33 years old, the club believes that the time has come to close a cycle and start a new chapter.
Barça considers his departure an essential condition to be able to rebuild the team and fully pursue the signing of a winger.
Flick will meet with Ter Stegen to speed up his departure
The club has already initiated contacts to convince the goalkeeper. In the coming days, Hansi Flick, Barça's new coach, has scheduled a personal meeting with Ter Stegen. The goal is to explain to him that he is not counted on as a starter and to facilitate an amicable exit, without tensions or conflicts.
The goalkeeper position already has Joan García. The young keeper, signed a few weeks ago from Espanyol, has been chosen as the new number one between the posts. Barça is betting on his potential and his low wage cost as a more sustainable formula.