In Barcelona, they are clear about what the roadmap should be for the summer, but the economic situation remains what it is, and painful decisions cannot be ruled out entirely. The Barça team is clear that the exit door is closed for several key names in its squad, but Laporta does not rule out opening it if substantial offers arrive for players such as Gerard Martín or Fermín López. The club has one priority in the transfer market, which is to sign a winger, and it needs funds and space to do so.
Deco rules out major departures
A few weeks ago, at the end of the season, sporting director Deco spoke about the plans for the summer months. He made it clear that he does not expect any major losses, but that some adjustments need to be made to the transfer budget. “I don’t think that anyone in this team, given its dynamic and joy, is willing to leave. We have already renewed most of the players, now we have to take care of those who are here. Last year I said we couldn’t lose anyone. I think it’s the same now. If we can improve, it’s always possible, but the key is to keep what we have consolidated for the coming years. Suddenly we feel very dependent on Raphinha and Lamine. Maybe we need similar players, a solution for them. The squad is quite balanced and we also have a lot of good things at the base,” he said.
The salary cap will mark the market
Problems with the salary cap will accompany Barcelona for another season. With Joan García about to be made official, the problem at Barcelona remains the salary cap. At the moment, the goalkeeper is not registered and the Barça team needs to make room. After the sale of Álex Valle and the departure of Lenglet, work is now underway on Ansu Fati’s move to Monaco.
The Azulgrana are outside the 1:1 rule until LaLiga accepts the certificate proving that the VIP seats are officially built and, therefore, the 100 million from their sale can be counted to take on the transfer market with greater guarantees and avoid painful decisions such as the sale of Fermín López.
Fermín is clear about his future
Fermín López took advantage of an interview during the Spanish national team’s training camp to talk about his future and praise coach Hansi Flick and the opportunities he has given him throughout the season, which have put him on the radar of big clubs that threaten his continuity. “The coach is a great coach and a great person. He trusts everyone, whether you play a lot or a little, and that makes you feel important,“ he told RAC1’s Tú dirás program. Asked about his future and rumors of interest from other teams, Fermín was emphatic: ”I’m not thinking about leaving. I’m very happy at Barça. It was my dream and I want to stay.”
Temptation knocks on the door
The player’s good form has attracted a lot of interest in the transfer market. Both Saudi Arabia and Chelsea have the player high on their agenda, although Sport claims that the club has not yet received any concrete offers. In principle, the club’s idea, as we said, is to close the door on a move, but the truth is that there is talk of offers of up to $70 million that would make it very difficult for Laporta to say no.