Although La Liga is starting in the coming few days, FC Barcelona are still in the market looking to further bolster their squad. In addition to that, the Catalans also have to register the renewed contracts of players already on their roster.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Xavi has already identified the priority targets that he wants to get in the remaining days of the summer transfer window. However, the club’s ability to cater to Xavi’s wishes will be limited by their financial fair play constraints.
Currently, Barcelona do not know how much money they will be able to raise in the coming days and weeks. The Catalan club is yet to find how much space they have with FFP, and how much they can get from the transfer of Ousmane Dembele.
The income from the transfer of the Frenchman can help the club get another player to replace him, while Barcelona are also in the market for a right-back.
Barcelona also still have to activate the lever that the club has been planning since last week. This lever involves a deal with a German investment fund to sell a 16% stake in Barca Studios for €60 million. This strategic step is in response to the club’s recent financial challenges arising from delayed payments by key stakeholders, Socios.com and Orpheus media.
Previously, Socios.com and Orpheus media jointly held a 49% ownership in Barca Studios, but the delayed payments had created financial strain. With the injection of €60 million from the German investment fund, Barcelona aim to alleviate their financial burdens while reshaping ownership.
Socios.com and Orpheus will now retain only 16.5% each, paving the way for the German firm’s 16% acquisition. This move will allow Barcelona to register all the recently renewed contracts. Contract renewals which are still in the pipeline, for players like Balde and Yamal, can also be registered with this lever.
Lastly, the Catalan club is also looking forward to sales of a number of their players, including Lenglet, Dest, and Kessie, which would also significantly lower their wage bill and also provide financing for new signings.
Thus, Barcelona’s plans for the rest of the summer window depend on factors that are not completely in their control. However, the club would definitely need reinforcements if it is to compete for trophies like the Champions League, especially if Dembele leaves this week.