Marcus Rashford's arrival at Barça has considerably strengthened Flick's offensive line-up. The Englishman joins an attack that already featured top-level names such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Ferran Torres. In addition, Pau Víctor is also on the roster.
With these six strikers, Flick has one of the most complete forward lines in European soccer, with options in every position. However, this offensive surplus also forces the club to make tough decisions to balance the squad and, above all, the wage bill.
Urgent need to free up salary space for registrations
Barça continues to face a delicate financial situation and needs to lighten its wage bill in order to register new signings. Marcus Rashford, although arriving on loan, hasn't been registered yet, and the same goes for Joan García.
Both are expected to play an important role in the upcoming season, but their situation depends on whether the club manages to free up financial space in its salary structure. This need to cut expenses has sped up efforts to move out players who aren't in the German coach's plans.
Pau Víctor leaves for Sporting de Braga in a transfer
Pau Víctor is now a new player for Sporting de Braga. The forward leaves FC Barcelona after not being included in Hansi Flick's plans, who has opted for more established and versatile profiles following Marcus Rashford's arrival. With no place in the squad, the young striker has agreed to leave in search of playing time.
Barça has finalized the agreement with Sporting de Braga for a fee reaching €12 million (12 millones de euros) fixed, plus an additional €3 million (tres millones de euros) in variables. This operation has been received with great satisfaction by the sporting management, both for its economic value and its impact on the wage bill.
In addition, the club has managed to include a buy-back option and a percentage on a future sale in the deal. Pau Víctor begins a new chapter in Portugal, while Barça continues to lighten its squad ahead of the start of the season.