FC Barcelona continues working against the clock to shape its squad for next season. With Hansi Flick in charge, the sporting management's priority is to strengthen the first team with top-level players, but also to solve the financial problems affecting the club. The economic situation continues to dictate every move, and any addition must be accompanied by strategic departures.
Nico Williams's signing by FC Barcelona ultimately won't happen. Although his name was on the club's agenda for weeks and his profile fit Hansi Flick's plans, the deal hasn't gone through. Neither the player's interest nor Deco's attempts have been enough to close the agreement.
This is the scenario in which major decisions are being considered.
The ones marked to leave
Joan Laporta and Deco have taken a step that just a few months ago would've seemed unthinkable. Putting two of the locker room's main leaders, Marc-André ter Stegen and Ronald Araújo, on the market. Both have been key pieces in recent seasons, but their current situation and Flick's new project have changed the context.
The German goalkeeper, the team's captain, has been dealing with physical problems for some time that've affected his consistency. Although his quality between the posts is unquestionable, the club fears he won't recover one hundred percent of his best form and believes now is the time to open the door for him. The recent arrival of Joan García from Espanyol reinforces this idea, since the young goalkeeper could take on a bigger role in the first team.
Meanwhile, Araújo's performance has raised doubts in recent months, especially in key Champions League matches where he was singled out. At 26 years old, the Uruguayan center-back still has a great reputation in Europe and could bring in a significant sum to the club's coffers. Flick values his qualities, but the need to balance the books could force his departure if a convincing offer arrives.
Double sale that would open the market
The possible transfer of Ter Stegen and Araújo would have an immediate impact on the club's finances. Between the money brought in from the sales and the savings on their high salaries, Barça could gain the margin needed to register and activate other planned operations. Laporta knows these kinds of decisions are delicate, but he also understands they're inevitable in the current context of economic restrictions.
In addition, these moves would avoid having to sell young players like Fermín López or Marc Casadó, two footballers the club considers strategic for the future. The intention is to keep the core of young talent and surround it with key signings to return Barça to the European elite. The coming weeks will be decisive, with open negotiations and a market that could still bring surprises at Camp Nou.