The exact deadline for Barcelona to register its entire squad with La Liga has now been officially confirmed, ending weeks of speculation.
Manager Hansi Flick expressed urgency in resolving the issue before the recent La Liga match against Levante, emphasizing the need to finalize squad registrations.
However, the club’s ongoing struggle to comply with La Liga’s salary cap regulations has delayed the process, leaving several players unavailable for recent fixtures.
With the transfer deadline approaching, Barcelona’s management is under pressure to finalize departures and secure the registration of their targeted players for the 2025-26 season.
The spotlight falls on defender Gerard Martin, Roony Bardghji, and Wojciech Szczesny, whose registration remains pending, as reported by Diario Sport
Gerard Martin, a versatile asset for Flick, missed the trip to Valencia for the Levante clash due to these delays.
The club’s failure to register him, alongside Wojciech Szczesny and Roony Bardghji, stems from the need to offload players like Oriol Romeu, Inaki Pena, and Hector Fort to free up salary cap space.
Reports indicate that terminating Romeu’s contract could immediately resolve Martin’s registration, with negotiations reportedly nearing completion.
Despite the setback, Barcelona remains confident that all three players will be registered before the window shuts, potentially in time for the upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano on August 31.
Martin’s importance to Flick’s squad cannot be overstated.
Following Inigo Martinez’s unexpected departure this summer, Flick identified Martin as a flexible solution, capable of filling in at centre-back.
Last season, Martin proved his reliability when Alejandro Balde was injured, and during pre-season, Flick successfully trialled him in a central defensive role.
His adaptability has convinced the German tactician that Martin can serve as a valuable utility player, negating the need for an external replacement.
However, the clock is ticking, and Barcelona must act swiftly to ensure Martin and his teammates are eligible to play.
As the September international break looms, Barcelona’s ability to navigate these financial constraints will determine whether Flick can field his desired squad early in the season.
The club’s optimism is encouraging, but the outcome remains uncertain.
Want to get the latest Barcelona news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
