FC Barcelona could be forced to sell key players this summer as La Liga cracks down on the club’s wage structure.
- Advertisement -
As a result, Frenkie de Jong, Erik ten Hag’s long-term target in midfield, could become available at a reduced price if Barca fail to resolve the situation.
The Spanish club’s financial problems have been no secret since their overspending last summer, and they have now caught the attention of La Liga, according to reports in Spain.
- Advertisement -
More Read
City secures Julian Alvarez with a new contract extension
- Advertisement -
The Catalan club spent more than €150 million (£132 million) on Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Joules Kounde, while Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie arrived free of charge.
This spending spree has reportedly been offset by the departure of several Camp Nou players.
However, a new report out of Spain has highlighted La Liga’s financial sanctions, with FC Barcelona potentially having no choice but to sell players.
FC Barcelona could sell key players.Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claims that La Liga has told FC Barcelona they have to cut their wage bill by around 200 million euros this summer and cannot use any financial leverage.
The report explains that Barca’s financial situation is the reason why Gavi and Ronald Araujo’s contract extensions cannot be registered, despite the sale of Memphis Depay and Gerard Pique.
The La Liga giants must now look to increase their revenue by selling other players, cutting wages, and securing sponsorship deals.
This news marks a dramatic departure from comments made by FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta earlier this month. He said the club only needed €26 million to sign new players and was confident that new players would arrive at the end of the season.
With many players coming out of contract, Barcelona needs to think quickly if they want to avoid a massive release of players.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has warned the club they won’t be able to use leverage this time around, confirming there are penalties in place if they break the rules.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo at the end of last season, Tebas said, “The levers worked for them this season but not next.”
“They have to reduce the wage bill; they cannot continue with more than 500 million euros.” Because otherwise, next season, we will find the rule of 1/4 for them.
The offer to sell players could attract interest from Manchester United, who have long been interested in Barcelona midfielder De Jong.
The Dutchman was the subject of a rapprochement with Old Trafford last summer.
Ten Hag failed to lure him to Old Trafford, but after learning of Barca’s situation, the Red Devils boss could be given a second chance.
