The dictionary defines dichotomy as a division into two parts. Barcelona is experiencing several dichotomies this season. One of them is the difference in recent weeks between their performance in attack and defense, which cost them a place in the Munich final. The other is the dichotomy between the great club they are on the pitch and, on the other hand, their problems in the boardroom, which will determine their transfer market this summer.
Uncertain transfer market
While all the other teams are working on their plans for next season, negotiating possible signings and closing deals, Barça is doing the same, but with the uncertainty of whether it will have a salary cap to register players or whether it will have another Dani Olmo case on its hands.
In recent weeks, beyond sporting matters, Barça has been in the spotlight for financial fair play. In April, LaLiga issued a statement saying that, beyond the CSD’s decision to allow Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor to play until the end of the season, the Azulgrana team does not have ‘Fair Play’ for next season, which is a huge step backwards for the upcoming transfer market. This statement complicates Barcelona’s transfer market considerably, as it has no room in its wage bill.
Why? The main reason for this setback has to do with the sale of the VIP boxes. The $100 million that was expected from this deal, which seemed to be a done deal, was not included in the profit and loss account of the interim financial statements submitted to LaLiga, as its latest auditor considered that this transaction could not be included in the accounts for the current financial year.
A goal that was considered lost
For this reason, some of Barça’s main objectives in the transfer market were considered lost due to the impossibility of competing in the market or offering guarantees to the players they were interested in. In the last few days, the Azulgrana team sought to sign a left winger, focusing their interest on Nico Williams. In recent months, other names have emerged, but problems with fair play have forced the club to abandon its plans to sign an attacking player, as there are other priorities.
Laporta is not giving up
One of Barça’s targets for the winger position was Rafael Leão. However, as we mentioned, the problem for the Catalans is money, as the deal could reach €75-80 million, an amount that is unthinkable for the Catalan club. However, in the last few hours, it has been revealed that Laporta is not giving up and still has the player in mind to wear the blue and red shirt.
According to Sport, Laporta believes that Leão could offer greater consistency and continuity at Can Barça. Signing the player, who scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists last season and has already scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists this season, remains a priority for the Catalan club, who already rate him above Nico Williams. It remains to be seen whether Barcelona will make a move for the player this season or whether they will have to wait for better financial times to undertake this operation, which would strengthen an attack that, right now, is working perfectly as it is.