La Liga giants Barcelona set to offload players to address Financial Fair Play problems
- Rob Fleming
- 4 April 2023
Barcelona are reportedly making plans to address their Financial Fair Play problems before diving into the market for new signings in the next summer transfer window.
A recent SPORT article has outlined the Blaugrana's extensive report on their plan of action heading into the summer.
With the need to reduce their workforce budget by around €200million and generate additional revenue, the club is expected to offload players who are currently out on loan and are unlikely to be a part of coach Xavi Hernandez's plans next term. Other stars who are not getting enough minutes and are not seen as an important part of the setup will also likely be put on the market.
Barcelona have decided that they will not consider selling three key players in the squad - Pedri, Ronald Araujo, and Frenkie de Jong. All three are vital components of Xavi's plans at Camp Nou for the present and future and are non-transferable.
The report also adds that Barca do not contemplate the possibility of selling other important players like Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, Alejandro Balde, Jules Kounde, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski. Xavi also does not want to lose Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen, who are already courting interest and could attract serious offers in the summer.
Thus, all signs point towards changes in the attacking unit, with players who would leave a net profit or whose salaries the club cannot afford to pay, likely to be sold. Ansu Fati's name has been touted as a potential departee by various outlets already, and it could be a serious possibility if the young Spaniard's situation does not improve.
Ferran Torres is another such player who could be moved on, although recent reports suggest that the club plans to count on him for next season.
The Barcelona administration has carried out a detailed market study of the entire squad and sense that there could be a lot of money made from the sale of some players if push comes to shove and they are forced to make tough decisions. However, there remains a concern within the board if that will be enough to address the FFP issues.
Barcelona are facing a difficult situation as they approach the end of the La Liga season, and the club must make some tough decisions in the summer transfer window to address their financial problems. While the sale of some players seems inevitable, Barca's administration is hoping that their plan of action will be enough to keep the club competitive in the years to come.
