The transfer windows pass and the problems remain. For FC Barcelona, each transfer window becomes a real ordeal. Last summer, the leaders had moved heaven and earth to offer recruits to Xavi. This, while the club was in the grip of great financial difficulties. The residents of Camp Nou had also sold assets in order to bail out the coffers while trying to make money with undesirable elements. It worked especially with Coutinho (Aston Villa) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Chelsea).
Barça has two thorns in its side
But they had failed with Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong. Despite everything, Barça was able to strengthen with Lewandowski, Christensen, Koundé, Kessié & cie. This winter, the Blaugranas still want to make changes to Xavi’s squad in order to win La Liga and the Europa League. Thereby, Brand recalls that the Culés want to get their hands on a right side since they are disappointed with Hector Bellerin, a pivot and a central defender, even if the Barcelona coach already has what it takes for this position. To satisfy his coach, the Spanish club will therefore have to get his hands on the wallet.
But like last summer, Joan Laporta and his teams will have to do with very limited means. Brand explains that Barça’s wage bill will still be a problem in January. Especially with the loss of income related to a qualification in the Champions League. Despite the departure of Gerard Pique, who has given up a large sum, Barcelona’s thinking heads will still count their money. They want to negotiate with La Liga in order to have some leeway when it comes to winter signings.
Laporta talks about the transfer window and Messi
But the Blaugranas also have to face another problem as recalled by Joan Laporta on Tuesday. His words are relayed by the Cadena COPE. “According to La Liga financial fair play rules, we cannot sign players in January. We are trying to convince La Liga to be more flexible and allow us other types of interpretations (…) We are looking to overcome the factors that affect financial fair play to be able to make signings. At the moment, we are with a negative FPF that we would have to compensate for to be able to sign.
Brand indicates that Barca do not even know if they will be able to recruit this winter. The situation makes any operation difficult because FC Barcelona cannot make concrete offers. Difficult to imagine a return of Lionel Messi, free next summer. “With players like Messi, the Barça brand takes on more strength and it is true that we still identify him with Barça. We will see for his return, these are complicated things. He is at PSG and I would not like to see him in the middle of a controversy with them. No, I wouldn’t want to have a controversy out of respect for Messi and out of respect for the club..
Laporta makes big announcements
A club that has other fish to fry! The boss of the Culés must in particular manage the file of the Superleague. “There will be a €1 billion bonus for the founding teams, but it needs to be clarified because the issue is still under discussion. These are significant sums, but this competition will generate a lot of money. (..) The Advocate General will generally be supportive of the Superleague promoters, but that will be of no use if there is no dialogue with UEFA and a co-governance structure with the clubs and the UEFA at the same level”.
