One Barcelona veteran’s exit could pave the way to register Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford for the 2025/26 La Liga season.
Barcelona’s ambitious summer transfer window, headlined by the signings of Joan Garcia and Marcus Rashford, faces a significant hurdle due to La Liga’s strict financial fair play regulations.
The club’s ability to register these high-profile acquisitions hinges on creating salary cap space, and a single departure of a high-earning star could provide the financial relief needed.
With Hansi Flick’s squad gearing up for the 2025/26 season, this move could be pivotal in ensuring Garcia and Rashford don the Blaugrana jersey for their La Liga opener.
The veteran in question is goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, whose potential exit could free up €20 million in salary space, according to Santi Ovalle.
Ter Stegen, Barcelona’s long-serving captain, is reportedly considering back surgery, which could sideline him for months and allow the club to temporarily deregister him, facilitating the registration of Garcia, the €25 million Espanyol goalkeeper, and Rashford, the Manchester United forward, on a loan with a €30-35 million option to buy.
However, Ter Stegen’s insistence on staying at Camp Nou complicates matters, with no firm offers yet received for the 33-year-old.
The financial constraints have already forced Barcelona to explore offloading players like Pau Victor, with a €10 million asking price, though interest remains limited.
Garcia, an Olympic gold medalist, and Rashford, with his versatility as a left winger or striker, are critical to Flick’s vision of a dynamic attack and a revamped goalkeeping unit.
Yet, La Liga’s rules require Barcelona to pay €115,618 in registration fees for the duo, adding pressure to resolve their salary cap issues.
Ter Stegen’s departure, whether permanent or temporary, could eliminate the need for multiple sales, preserving squad depth.
As Barcelona prepares for its pre-season tour in Asia, the club remains cautiously optimistic about registering both players.
Flick’s strategy hinges on Rashford’s flair and Garcia’s shot-stopping prowess, but Ter Stegen’s future will determine whether these signings can take the pitch.
A resolution to this financial puzzle is crucial for Barcelona to unleash their new-look squad at Camp Nou.
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