The financial situation of FC Barcelona remains a significant challenge for the management. The lack of room in the salary cap prevents ambitious maneuvers in the transfer market, forcing the club to make drastic decisions to balance its squad in January. The blaugranas want to take a step forward to stay alive in all competitions, and for that, they need to sign players.
With the priority of strengthening the attack in this winter market, the club has identified several players whose continuity is not essential. This will not only free up space in the Financial Fair Play but also adjust a squad that needs to be more competitive and balanced. Flick expects departures that will free up space to target those players he considers necessary.
In this context, the high salaries of certain players with secondary roles in the team have become a problem. The management believes it is necessary to seek exits for those players who, for various reasons, are not contributing as expected in sporting terms. This player is not being profitable for the club, and his salary is very exorbitant, so they are looking for an exit for him these days.
He is very loved by everyone
One of the profiles that fit this description is that of a player who has lost prominence within coach Hansi Flick's scheme. Although in previous seasons he was seen as a key piece for the club's future, doubts about his physical condition are clear. His irregularity and lack of continuity have been decisive for him to now be considered transferable by the blaugrana directors.
The sports management has decided to leave the final decision in the player's hands, in recognition of his career at the club and his emotional bond with the institution. However, the reality is clear: if he decides to stay, his opportunities on the field will be very limited. They are not going to force him to leave, but they understand that his time at the club has ended and that he must move on.
Ansu Fati, in the spotlight
The protagonist of this delicate situation is Ansu Fati. Despite being one of the great promises to emerge from the academy, his performance hasn't met expectations after overcoming multiple injuries. Additionally, his salary, one of the highest in the squad, contrasts with the residual role he currently occupies in the team.
Barça's intention is to take advantage of his departure to relieve the wage bill and obtain resources to sign a top-level forward. One capable of making a difference in the second half of the season and being able to give Robert Lewandowski some rest, in order to manage his playing time a bit. But the Pole wants to have minutes and resists rotating, so they need to be precise in bringing in that number nine.