With the Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey, and the 2024/25 LaLiga titles safely in the bag already, the Barcelona may be resting on its laurels and quietly planning ahead for next season. Such is not the Catalan way. Even when fortunes seemingly smile upon the club, however, the side cannot shake off the financial shackles long plaguing them. Proof of this was a piece published by Spanish daily Marca in which a list of seven players to sell was headed by stars Ansu Fati, Araújo, De Jong, and Ter Stegen.
The club must sell. Under UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules imposed by LaLiga, Barcelona must restructure its wage bill, reduce the squad size, and get the math right in order to make room for new recruits. The season was successful but the underlining reality is fragile. And in reducing costs, even high-profile players come into play.
Ter Stegen uncertain after being an unquestionable starter for so long
Marc-Andre ter Stegen's listing is a surprise in a sense and understandable in another. The 33-year-old German stopper has value on the market, serves as a team captain and has been a steady one between the sticks for a decade. But the season-ending injury he picked up last season took its toll. He lost his rhythm and lost his consistency and though he's an idol in the eyes of fans he's no longer invincible.
The group already has 24-year-old Joan García from Espanyol. Young, inexpensive and fresh from a good run of form, García looks anything but a squad player. With Szczesny in the group as well and also on a good run of form, the goal order has become congested.
De Jong and the constant question of what his future holds
Frenkie De Jong's name finds a place there as well. The Dutchman is one such player whose fans never know if and when to expect him to leave or remain. He's seen the highs and the lows since his arrival here, the great games and others where he disappeared from the field. He's one of the few who have his level of control and reading of the game. But his wage is one of the highest in the team and that's a concern.
He has been pursued by Premier League sides, in particular Manchester United. But he has consistently struggled to stay at Barcelona. With the club now obligated to sell, however, the squeeze may mount on him to leave, not because of a lack of soccer talent, but because of his cost.
Ronald Araújo losing his form and may become a bargaining chip
Ronald Araújo's situation is also changed. The Urugayan centre back was a keystone element, a guaranteed starter, one of the defense's foundation stones. But injury spoiled his performance last season and saw him supplanted by Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez. To make matters worse, his release clause will be downgraded to €70 million in July, a sum English clubs at least, for one, would have no hesitation in parting with.
Despite this, the club's sporting director, Deco, defended Araújo in the recent past and indicated that he considers him a reliable performer in the next cycle. Words do not always translate into action. And in the event a decent offer comes along, Barça will change its mind and refuse.
Ansu Fati no longer untouchable
Ansu's case is typical. Two summers back he was Messi's natural successor. They even gave him the number 10 jersey as a gesture of faith and continuity. Time passed, however, injuries came up, performances hit a low, and the gloss wore off. Ansu Fati now is a player whose role is unclear, who could not establish himself even when he got opportunities.
In fact, however, Barcelona have been readying themselves for this. His exit has been planned for some time. A decent bid is all that is missing. But within the club, there is no one who really expects him to approach even a fraction of his previous levels. He will probably be sold. The only uncertainty now is where and at what price.
Also on the list were young players Apart from veterans, there also needs to be funds or space generated by selling those who failed to make the cut. Pau Víctor, Iñaki Peña, and Pablo Torre fall into this category. They did not play for first-team minutes under Hansi Flick and are on the sale list. Iñaki Peña, for instance, is the most clear-cut example. He comes after Ter Stegen, García and even Szczesny in order of priority as a goalkeeper. There's simply no room. Sale or loan is an absolute certainty. Pablo Torre and Pau Víctor also possess market value but will follow the same path if there's an offer.