With the end of the season, in FC Barcelona's offices, the first movements of a transfer market that promises to be more hectic than expected are already being felt. Hansi Flick's consolidation on the bench has accelerated decision-making, but the one leading the way in the offices is Deco. The Portuguese is determined to lighten the wage bill to give the German coach room to maneuver with important signings and necessary departures.
For weeks, all eyes were on Ansu Fati as the first major departure of the summer. The homegrown player has not managed to recover his best level, and his high salary complicates his continuity. However, as surprising as it may seem, he will not be the one to open the exit door in the Barça locker room.
The first departure of the market
According to the latest information, Clément Lenglet will leave Barça before Ansu. The French defender, loaned this season to Atlético de Madrid, will officially return to the club in June, but neither Flick nor Deco count on him. His high salary and his lack of fit in the new project make him a priority for departure.
Although his performance in La Liga has been correct, there are no clubs willing to take on his entire salary. Therefore, the sports management is working against the clock to close his sale or, at least, a new loan that allows for cost reduction. The goal is to prevent Lenglet from joining the preseason with the group, in order to have his future solved as soon as possible.
A summer of firm decisions
The exit operation is already underway and Lenglet will not be the only name to leave in the coming weeks. Barça is clear that it needs to restructure its squad with criteria and, above all, sustainability. Deco wants to avoid repeating past mistakes, where some players returned from loan only to end up sidelined on the bench all season.
In this context, Ansu Fati's situation remains unsolved, but it has taken a back seat. There are more pressing issues, such as Lenglet, whose annual cost is too high for a footballer without a place. The club wants to solve his future as soon as possible and close a chapter that has long ceased to add value to the team.