Barcelona’s summer transfer plans are in essence, a supposition until they make sales. It had been claimed by President Joan Laporta that they would return to within the salary limit this summer, leaving behind registration restrictions, but there is a good chance that they do not close the €130m gap from the start of this season.
As per Sport, Laporta wants to make one major signing this summer and cover the rest of their necessities with free agent additions, but even that will require sales of €200m to achieve that. Sporting Director Deco has started to look for ‘imaginative solutions’ as a result. There will be signings this summer, but the chances are that they covering positions rather than major additions.
🚨 De Jong aims to return for the UCL quarterfinals if Barcelona qualifies. @santiovalle pic.twitter.com/Da4b0EMhA8
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 4, 2024
Originally the former agent had been clear that he did not want to sign any more players over 30, instead selling off players that were playing less and bringing in a left winger and a quality pivot signing. However the financial realities mean that Deco will break that rule that he had set for himself.
The likes of Arsenal’s Jorginho could be an alternative solution for the pivot role this summer, which was only covered by Oriol Romeu this season. Everton’s Amadou Onana is the number one target, but that deal looks increasingly far-fetched.
Ahead of Xavi Hernandez’s resignation, Laporta was beginning to receive some blowback from the fans in the stadium, something that generally provokes a reaction from the hierarchy. If Barcelona are again in dire straits, this summer, and with Xavi out the door, then it will no tbe long before the president is the one under pressure.
