Barcelona’s search for defensive stability has grown more complicated in recent days.
Hansi Flick is facing financial roadblocks as he looks to reshape the squad in his image.
The club officially parted ways with Sporting Director Mateu Alemany, with Deco assuming full control of sporting operations going forward.
Meanwhile, Barca’s finances remain under intense scrutiny from La Liga, and no new signings or registrations will be processed until the Catalans lower their wage bill ahead of next season.
On the pitch, Barca are still trying to clinch the La Liga title, which could slightly ease the financial strain.
But off the pitch, serious roadblocks are already derailing transfer plans — including their pursuit of German international Jonathan Tah.
According to multiple reports in Spain, including SPORT, top club officials met with superagent Pini Zahavi in Barcelona this week.
Barcelona held talks with Jonathan Tah’s agent
While the focus was Flick’s contract extension, the subject of Jonathan Tah also came up during the meeting.
Zahavi, who represents both Flick and Tah, was reportedly told that Barcelona cannot proceed with any deal for the Bayer Leverkusen defender due to Financial Fair Play restrictions.
Flick is said to admire the 29-year-old’s profile and sees him as a natural leader at the back, but understands the decision lies with Deco and the board.
While groundwork for a deal had been put in place months ago, Barcelona now risk losing the defender entirely if no formal offer is tabled in May.
Jonathan Tah, who is available on a free transfer from June 30, does not want to wait until the final weeks of the window, especially after seeing what happened with Dani Olmo’s delayed registration last summer.
Premier League clubs are circling, and unlike Barcelona, they have the financial muscle to secure a quick agreement.
Though Barcelona have reassured the player of their intentions, their hands remain tied — and the clock is ticking.
If the Fair Play situation doesn’t improve, Flick may be forced to look elsewhere — or stick with what he’s got.
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