Barcelona technical director Robert Fernandez has discussed the cases of summer signings Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal. ‘They knew the situation.’
Neither Arda, signed from Atletico Madrid, nor Vidal, the former Sevilla wide man, have been able to play for Barca due to the terms of the club’s transfer embargo.
Barca were banned from registering new signings for two transfer windows after a case involving under-18 players from outside Spain, although Barca did attempt to register Turan after the summer window closed and Rafinha suffered a serious injury.
The club argued that their embargo was lifted when the summer window shut and they should have been able to register Turan to replace Rafinha under a mechanism that is part of FIFA’s laws of the game, but the governing body insisted their suspension lasted until the start of the 2016 winter window.
“It’s a legal issue. I think [Arda or Vidal playing before January] will be difficult,” Robert told Catalan Radio, Mundo Deportivo reports.
“They want to play but they knew this was the situation. They appear happy and integrated [into the squad].
“Did I sign them? The club didn’t consult me in either case but I wasn’t surprised as they’re both good players. I would have given the go-ahead.
“I might not have liked what was spent but I’m sure they’ll be worth it. Luis Enrique is waiting.”
Injuries to Enrique’s squad have hastened the need for new faces but Robert stressed any club could have had the problems Barca have had this season.
“Injuries are the problem now and they’re something that would weaken any team in the world,” he explained.
“Anyone who doesn’t think of it that way is wrong. Was there a bad pre-season? You never know if the tour had that affect because there have been a lot of them in recent years. I don’t think there will be a tour next season.”
Lionel Messi is among the Barca casualties and Robert offered an insight into the forward’s recovery, insisting he will not be rushed back.
“Messi is fine. On Monday he was at the training ground with Andres Iniesta and Thomas Vermaelen,” Robert revealed.
“We must be calm and not rush into anything. You have to not force anything to prevent a relapse. If it takes eight weeks then it’ll be eight weeks.”
