FC Barcelona is grappling with a significant obstacle in its efforts to register new signings as the summer transfer window nears its deadline.
The Catalan giants, known for their ambitious transfer strategies, are under pressure to optimize their salary cap amid ongoing economic constraints.
With the pre-season tour in Asia underway and the La Liga opener against Mallorca on August 16 looming, the club is exploring every possible avenue to register new talent.
However, a recent development tied to one of their key players adds a layer of complexity to their plans, as reported by AS.
The player at the heart of this issue is Marc-Andre ter Stegen, whose long-term injury is central to Barcelona’s strategy to unlock salary space.
The club aims to capitalize on his injury—projected to sideline him for four months or more—by using a portion of his salary to register a replacement.
Initially, it was suggested that 80% of his wages could be freed, but due to the injury occurring during the open transfer window, this is capped at 50%.
La Liga’s approval hinges on a medical commission of independent experts unanimously agreeing the injury qualifies as long-term, with Barcelona having 25 days to submit documentation.
Only a goalkeeper, potentially Joan Garcia, can be registered with this relief, and the club has 20 days to act if approved.
This maneuver carries significant risks.
If ter Stegen returns earlier than the declared timeframe, Barcelona faces a penalty that could triple the gained salary cap, severely impacting their financial recovery.
The process raises questions about medical oversight and liability, with concerns from commentators like Dan Burcea about who assesses recovery and assumes risk.
As the club balances this high-stakes strategy, the outcome will shape their squad for the season ahead.
With the transfer window ticking down, Barcelona’s ability to navigate these regulations will be critical to maintaining competitiveness without further financial strain.
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