As the formal start of this summer transfer window gets closer, the time for FC Barcelona and their higher-ups is getting busier with their operations for this year. Selling players is an equally important objective for the club in this window, as is getting new players.
According to SPORT, Deco and Mateu Alemany are prioritizing addressing the files of at least four players from the first team before the 2022-23 financial year ends.
These four first-team players are Samuel Umtiti, Clément Lenglet, Sergiño Dest, and Álex Collado, while a La Masia talent Gustavo Maia is also on the list to be taken care of before the end of this financial year.
These players will cost Barcelona around €50 million in the next year. Thus, by taking care of their portfolios, the club is looking to generate some much-needed funds and have an eye on the savings in wages that their departure would allow.
However, the Blaugrana higher-ups must work quickly to find new clubs for these players before the financial year ends.
FC Barcelona are already in advanced negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur for the transfer of Clement Lenglet, who played with the London-based club last season on loan and was an important part of their squad. The Catalans expect to get around €10 million for the Frenchman.
Similarly, Samuel Umtiti’s value has also been boosted due to his performances last season on loan at Lecce. He made 25 appearances for the Italian side and seems to have gotten rid of his recurrent injury problems.
Olympique Lyonnais are interested in the player, but want Umtiti to lower his wages, while Barcelona would be ready to facilitate any move for the center-back.
The cases of Sergino Dest and Alex Collado are more difficult, as none of them has any firm offer on the table as of now. Barcelona’s sports department does not want them in the squad for next season and the club is actively looking for their suitors in the market.
Thus, FC Barcelona will have to work urgently to conclude the transfers of these players if they are to lower their wage bill from €530 million to €450 million by the next season. Thus, Deco and Alemany have a lot of work to do in the coming months, which involves not only selling these players but also getting new players to strengthen the squad.
