Barcelona are facing a race against time to register their new signings before the start of the LaLiga season, just 48 hours away. The club's financial woes continue despite Lionel Messi's departure, with president Joan Laporta struggling to balance the books.
New recruits Memphis Depay, Sergio Aguero, and Eric Garcia cannot be included in Ronald Koeman's squad until Barcelona reduce their wage bill. LaLiga rules require clubs over their salary limit to apply a 1/4 ratio to summer business, meaning for every €10m spent on a new player, they must offload €40m in wages.
The club has failed to move any high-earners off the payroll. Samuel Umtiti and Martin Braithwaite are potential departures, but only Braithwaite has a market in the Premier League. A swap deal involving Antoine Griezmann and Saul Niguez collapsed after clubs disagreed on wage contributions.
Memphis Depay is the priority, and Barcelona hope to loan out Miralem Pjanic to free up funds. Aguero, sidelined for ten weeks with injury, could still leave as a free agent after the transfer deadline. Laporta admitted the wage bill remains at 95% of projected revenue, far above LaLiga's recommended 70%.
An injection of cash from LaLiga's CVC investment fund could ease the crisis, but Barcelona have so far rejected the deal. The club would receive around €280m, with €42m earmarked for player registrations.
