Barcelona are ‘on the right track’ but ‘have work to do’ to register the club’s new signings, according to La Liga president Javier Tebas.
Despite the club’s well-documented financial problems, the Catalans have invested in their squad this summer with the big-money captures of Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, while both Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen have signed on free transfers.
The club are also closing in on the signing of Jules Kounde from Sevilla and retain an interest in Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.
It has been reported in Spain that Barcelona can’t register their new additions without departures, with Frenkie de Jong – who is a transfer target for Manchester United – among those linked with an exit as the club cut costs.
Tebas has now provided an update on Barcelona’s situation and says the club are working towards meeting the league’s regulations,
“We follow them, but when they show us the documentation of the levers and some players they have to sell, we will see if they can register everyone,” Tebas told Sport. “They know what they have to do. I think they have a little work left for everything they have to do, but I think they are on the right track.
“If they will arrive at the beginning of La Liga? Ask FC Barcelona. I can say that they know the rules well and they know well what they have to do. They still have to be done, but there is still time.”
Lewyyyyyyyy!!!! pic.twitter.com/ShsTnbaygY
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 28, 2022
Tebas discussed how Barcelona have managed to operate in the summer window while meeting La Liga’s restrictions, revealing the details behind the club’s sale of assets to raise transfer funds.
“They have sold 10 per cent of their TV rights for €207m. Then they increased that share to 25% which I think gives them some €350m more,” he said.
“That would be €500m and I think they have another, third lever that of around €200m. With that and if they manage to get some players to leave, this explains the possibility of these signings.
“They have been able to sell assets, which was something they needed to do, and to reduce salaries – that’s what allows them to sign.”
In order to meet La Liga’s salary cap rules, Barcelona need to offload players with the likes of De Jong and Memphis Depay among those reportedly available.
The Catalans have also discussed the prospect of De Jong – who is owed around £17m in deferred wages – taking a salary reduction to remain at the Camp Nou.
Tebas says players ‘cannot be pushed aside or pressured’ into such agreements however, and says La Liga will ensure laws are not broken.
“What the League is going to do is to comply with our collective agreement with the AFE. Players cannot be pushed aside or pressured, it is what marks the collective agreement, the Law, reason and ethics. From there, Barcelona knows the rules and responsibilities that exist in that aspect,” he added.
