Barcelona efforts to offload an outcast player have hit a roadblock due to a salary dispute, complicating their plans to free up squad space.
The current situation for the Spanish club is undeniably tense, as they remain under pressure to meet the strict La Liga salary cap and must unload wages resulting from the player.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the two sides had agreed on AS Monaco lending the player for €12 million, with a €20 million option to buy.
The player in question is Ansu Fati, the 22-year-old La Masia prodigy who was once anointed as the future of the club.
However, the current discussions have been delayed due to the structure of the deal, and the player’s €6 million salary has quickly become a sticking point.
Barcelona was under the impression that Monaco would be willing to deal, as they have the capabilities to be a big player in the window at this moment.
Monaco’s refusal to cover any more than half of the player’s load, though cooperative for them, has led to a potential standoff as pre-season training quickly approaches.
Ansu has had numerous setbacks in the injury department and has also adjusted to inconsistent from when he was under Hansi Flick, which has resulted in FC Barcelona wishing to move him on.
Without the complexities of tax issues because of their benefits, Monaco has rejected Barcelona covering any more than half the wage, while Barcelona has ruled out any subsidizing of the player’s salary in the event of a loan.
As time is ticking away, super-agent Jorge Mendes is trying to find a compromise that could include a potential contract extension to 2029 to make the deal more manageable.
Barcelona’s financial struggles, compounded by their signing of Joan García warrant a decision soon.
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