Barça Faces Another Summer Marked by Fair Play Limitations. Although in January they reached the 1:1 rule—which allows spending one euro for every euro freed—the situation remains delicate. La Liga has already warned that the income operation through VIP Boxes doesn't meet the required standards, and therefore, the club officially remains over the limit.
This Setback Has Hit Deco's Sports Planning Like a Cold Shower and the club's management. It was desired that the margin for making signings this summer would be greater, but the scenario is restrictive once again. Barça, therefore, will have to act very cautiously in the market, and above all, focus on reducing expenses before thinking about new additions.
Barça Has to Reduce the Wage Bill
To be able to sign, the club is obliged to reduce the wage bill. There are several names on the table, but one of the most urgent is Ansu Fati. The forward hasn't managed to fit into Hansi Flick's plans and isn't even being drafted.
His salary is high, and since he doesn't count sportingly, his departure is practically mandatory. Additionally, another option being considered in the offices is the renewal of Frenkie de Jong with a restructuring of his contract. The idea would be to defer part of his salary to alleviate the current burden, but ensuring his continuity beyond 2026.
The Deal Atlético de Madrid and Barça Are Preparing
In this regard, Barça and Atlético de Madrid are working on an operation that could provide a small financial relief for the blaugranas. Clément Lenglet, currently on loan at the Colchonero team, could stay with Simeone's team permanently. According to El Nacional, the transfer would be closed at around 8 million euros.
This operation would be doubly beneficial for Barça: on one hand, they would receive a direct amount that could be allocated to the balance; on the other, they would get rid of an excessive salary. Everything fits for the agreement to be closed in the coming weeks.
His Salary Is a Problem and Barça Has Great Center-Backs
Lenglet, besides no longer being counted on by the club, occupies a spot in a position where Barça has the defense well covered. With players like Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, Eric Garcia, and Íñigo Martínez, the rotation of center-backs is more than assured.
Therefore, getting rid of the French center-back is an urgent necessity. His departure would help the club advance in complying with Fair Play and would give room to plan signings that do fit the real needs of Hansi Flick's project.