Barcelona’s ongoing financial turmoil has led to further complications as the club faces challenges in registering key players for the 2023/24 La Liga campaign.
Despite their efforts to bolster the squad, the club is grappling with La Liga’s salary cap regulations, resulting in a series of setbacks.
Following the departure of Lionel Messi to Paris Saint-Germain due to financial constraints, the club’s financial woes deepened. Notably, the failure to register Messi’s contract triggered a cascade of events, with the inability to retain the legendary footballer being a low point in the club’s history.
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In a similar vein, Barcelona has been entangled in salary cap issues on multiple fronts. The league’s restrictions have prevented the club from making permanent signings, a predicament that emerged in January 2023.
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The repercussions continued into the summer transfer window, where even Messi’s potential return was thwarted due to the ongoing financial constraints, as confirmed by the player himself.
Despite a net expenditure of -£94.5 million this summer, with only a single non-free agent signing, Oriol Romeu, the club is still grappling with the registration of crucial first-team contracts.
Marcos Alonso, a former Chelsea player, inked a new deal with Barcelona in January. Similarly, backup goalkeeper Inaki Pena secured a contract extension in May. However, logistical hurdles have hindered their inclusion in Xavi’s squad.
Furthermore, Inigo Martinez, a center-back signed on a free transfer from Athletic Club during the summer, remains unregistered due to a pre-season injury that rendered him unavailable. Barcelona’s struggle to comply with the regulations has raised concerns about their ability to maintain a competitive edge in the league.
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Despite these challenges, Barcelona remains committed to new signings. The club has pursued a loan deal for full-back Joao Cancelo from Manchester City.
A financial agreement has been reached, with Barcelona agreeing to cover a substantial portion of Cancelo’s wages for the upcoming season. The deal also includes an option for a permanent transfer at £30 million.
As the La Liga season progresses, Barcelona finds itself not only battling on the pitch but also navigating financial hurdles that are reshaping the dynamics of the team.
