Revealed: Barcelona's plan to register summer signings

8 Aug 2022 17:25 CDT
3 min read

Xavi on the Barcelona touchline during their pre-season tour of the USA. — © ProShots

Barcelona are currently unable to register their new summer arrivals for the upcoming La Liga season, but have come up with a plan to ensure their signings are able to play in the league in the 2022-23 campaign.

The Blaugrana have been told by La Liga that their new additions aren't able to play in the Spanish top flight due to their bloated wage bill.

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Barcelona have been in financial trouble for several years, and yet have managed to sacrifice future wealth for immediate cash to afford their summer business. Jules Kounde, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie have all been signed this transfer window, while Ousmane Dembele and Sergi Roberto's contracts have been renewed.

As things stand, all seven players will not be able to play in Barcelona's La Liga opener against Rayo Vallecano on August 13.

Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have all been linked with a Barcelona exit this summer, but a deal hasn't been agreed for their departure, while Barca owe De Jong €17 million in deferred wages. However, they have threatened to take legal action, alleging the terms given to him by the club’s previous board – led by former President Josep Bartomeu – involved criminality.

The club have already sold 15% of their La Liga TV rights for the next 25 years, and have activated three levers in order to gain some immediate money to enable them to sign their transfer targets this summer.

However, with the new signings yet to be registered, Barcelona have reportedly taken new steps to enable their new acquisitions to play in La Liga.

© ProShots - Robert Lewandowski has joined Barcelona

What is Barcelona's plan?

Gerard Romero has reported that Barcelona believe they will have the funds to register their new signings if they activate a fourth economic lever and extend Gerard Pique's contract with a wage cut. They will await La Liga's decision before taking action on this plan.

According to The Athletic, Pique is set to agree a pay cut in order to help Barcelona as they race to register their summer signings. The club are said to have opened talks with senior players over wage decreases to help balance the books.