FC Barcelona still need to close a big player sale next summer

FC Barcelona still need to close a big player sale next summer

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The club's 'palanca' next year will be the departure of players for big fees

Barcelona insist in public that they don't need to sell to balance their accounts, but internally everyone is clear that next summer they will have to raise funds through transfers to be able to keep building on the current sporting project. There are lines that will never be crossed, but Barça could listen to offers for some players that are not undisputed starters but do have a market. It is obvious the club will allow the captains to leave to save on their salaries, which have held the club back in recent windows.

Busquets is out of contract in 2023 and it remains to be seen what happens with Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba, whose deals expire in 2024. Their role in the team has changed but it seems neither wants to break their contracts and join other teams. Barça have budgeted for their contracts until 2024, but finding new clubs would give them some oxygen.

From there, Barça don't rule out sales. Because it could help bring in cash for the next financial year. This past summer, there was the option to sell Frenkie de Jong, but a move to Manchester United never materialised because of the Dutchman's desire to stay. The reality is that neither Joan Laporta nor Xavi Hernandez want the player to go, but we will see their decision next summer based on the financial position of the club.

And not just De Jong. Football director Mateu Alemany explained that it's easier to sign than to sell and added that it's hard to move on players for much money when they are earning so much money at Camp Nou.

What is clear is that from January, things will be analysed and they will look at what players could bring in money and whose exit would not leave a huge mark on the squad. If the summer arrived now, things would be quite clear, but the World Cup could change things and offer chances to other players. So far, Barça have been forced to release players they paid millions for for almost nothing, like Griezmann and Coutinho, just to save on their salaries. Now it's time to close a transfer to strengthen the club's financial muscle.

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