Barca gets a transfer boost with rule change

Barcelona and other Spanish clubs have received a transfer boost due to changes in La Liga’s financial fair play regulations. The new rules allow clubs that exceed their spending limit to use 50% of the savings or funds raised to sign new players. Additionally, if the savings from a departing player exceed 5% of the spending limit, clubs can invest 60% of that amount in new signings. 

Previously, clubs were only allowed to spend 40% of the money saved or raised, which could increase to 50% in some instances. These changes stimulate signings during a relatively close transfer window while ensuring that clubs still make overall savings. 

The modification for the 2023-24 season aims to benefit several clubs that exceed their spending limits, and it is not explicitly related to Barcelona’s financial situation and also aids the rise in tickets. 

The adjustment to the rules was approved by the league’s delegate commission, which includes LaLiga President Javier Tebas, vice presidents, and representatives from various clubs. Although the change benefits multiple clubs, it can be accepted that Barcelona will be one of the beneficiaries, as the league aims to support clubs in assembling their squads for the upcoming season. 

Barcelona had the task of reducing their expenses by approximately €200 million ($218.99 million) this summer to comply with their spending limit, which is expected to decrease from around €650 million to €450 million. The departures of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have already contributed significant savings for the club. 

Barcelona has also implemented cost-cutting measures in other areas, such as closing Barca TV and reducing the wage bill of the basketball team, to assist in registering contract renewals and new signings when the transfer window officially opens in July.

Barcelona will also be having trouble next season in getting the exact revenues from the sale of tickets with the Spotify Camp Nou in refurbishment; the Olympic Stadium will play hosts for the club for one year.

While midfielder Gavi’s new contract has been temporarily registered, pending a court ruling in Barcelona’s favor, official inscriptions for the contracts of Ronald Araujo, Marcos Alonso, Inaki Pena, and Sergi Roberto are still pending. 

Barcelona recently announced the signing of Ilkay Gundogan as a free agent from Manchester City, and sources indicate that defender Inigo Martinez will also join the club when his contract with Athletic Club expires on June 30.

Dani Parejo – not in the plans

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona has decided to discard the option of signing Dani Parejo from Villarreal as they focus their efforts on securing the signature of Marcelo Brozovic. Initially, Parejo was a backup option if the club failed to sign Brozovic. However, recent reports suggest that Barcelona still has a good chance of signing the 30-year-old midfielder, as he has turned down an offer from Al Nassr and is now open to joining Barcelona.

With Parejo’s potential move off the cards, Barcelona focuses solely on pursuing Brozovic. The 34-year-old Villarreal midfielder was a choice preferred by Xavi, who believed Parejo possessed qualities that would make him a suitable short-term replacement for Sergio Busquets. 

Additionally, Parejo’s contract will expire, and he had a release clause that would have allowed him to leave Villarreal on a free transfer. 

Everyone who’s seen Parejo on the field with tickets would’ve loved seeing him in Barca colors, but his age might be the preventing factor. 

If the pursuit of Brozovic proves unsuccessful, Barcelona will turn to Oriol Romeu of Girona as a low-cost alternative. 

Barcelona wants €15 million-rated teenage defender

Barcelona has been keeping a close eye on Real Valladolid’s young right-back, Ivan Fresneda, as a potential reinforcement for the position in the upcoming transfer window. Initially, reports indicated that Fresneda might be heading to Borussia Dortmund, as negotiations between the German club and Real Valladolid seemed to be progressing.

However, recent information from German outlet Ruhr Nachrichten suggests that Dortmund has cooled off their interest in Fresneda, giving Barcelona the advantage in the race to sign the Spanish prospect. 

Despite Real Valladolid’s relegation, Fresneda had an impressive debut season in La Liga, attracting several clubs’ attention. Everyone who’s been to a Real Valladolid game and had tickets to the front seats would’ve seen the enthusiasm and the energy the teenager brings to the field. 

At 18 years old, Fresneda is considered a promising talent with significant potential, making him an appealing target for Barcelona. Another factor that makes him attractive to the Catalan club is his release clause, which is set at €20 million but could potentially be negotiated down to €15 million this summer.

It is reported that Fresneda is intrigued by the idea of playing for the reigning La Liga champions and would be willing to wait for an approach, albeit not for an extended period. With Dortmund now out of the picture, Barcelona appears to have an advantage in pursuing Fresneda. 

However, Barcelona faces financial constraints and needs to generate significant funds through player sales before considering further signings. The club’s immediate priorities are the acquisitions of Marcelo Brozovic and Vitor Roque, with the right-back position considered a lower priority now.

Therefore, the outcome of Barcelona’s pursuit of Fresneda remains to be determined. The club will need to carefully manage its finances and make essential sales before deciding whether it can secure the services of the young right-back this summer.

FC Barcelona Name Partners?

FC Barcelona has reportedly received a significant offer from Qatar for a club in the country’s league to use the Barcelona name. According to Catalunya Radio program Tots Costa, the request is in the nine-figure range and amounts to approximately €100 million ($109 million) annually. Laia Tudel Prades, a commentator on the show, explained that the proposal must be examined legally and checked against the club’s statutes to ensure compatibility.

If Barcelona decides to accept the offer, it would represent a staggering amount of financial gain for the club. Adrian Sanchez, the head of Mas Que Pelotas, also confirmed the offer on Twitter, stating that it exceeds €100 million ($109 million).

Barcelona is facing various financial challenges and has been unable to reduce its substantial structural debt of €1.35 billion ($1.47 billion). During a recent press conference, the club’s Economic Vice President, Eduard Romeo, confirmed this information.

The club’s financial struggles, coupled with the need to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, have made it difficult for Barcelona to make new signings and register contracts for both incoming and existing players, angering many fans last season who had tickets but had to see their favorite players leave the club. 

In June, Barcelona President Joan Laporta made a trip to Qatar. According to Barca Times reports, Laporta was close to securing two sponsorships from the country. However, no further details were provided regarding the potential deals.

Tickets for the Barcelona pre-season tour and friendlies are out now.