Despite already making four ‘free transfer’ signings in Sergio Aguero, Emerson Royal, Memphis Depay, and Eric Garcia, Barcelona continue to show their face in the transfer market amidst their financial crisis.
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Many believed that the Catalans will not be bringing in any reinforcements this summer and will only focus on selling big-name stars after reporting a massive debt of 1.2 billion. But the reappointment of former president Joan Laporta has brought a completely different transfer policy in place.
The Catalans have not shied away from signings reinforcements for next season but the latest financial issue they face is not of the debt but La Liga’s wage-bill regulations. After cutting both Barca’s and Real Madrid’s wage cap in almost half, both the Spanish giants are currently facing problems evaluating which players to keep and which to sell.
To resolve this issue, Laporta had already made up his mind to sell or loan the players that are not a crucial part of coach Ronald Koeman’s plans for next season. Big names like Antoine Griezmann, Philippe Coutinho, Miralem Pjanic, Clement Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti, and many more were listed on the transfer market.
While Barca remains focused on making major sales this summer to help with their budget, they continue to be linked with more signings. Two big names that had recently come up were Atalanta’s defender Cristian Romero and Lille forward Renato Sanches.
While these transfers would not have been cheap for Barca, especially considering the number of clubs interesting in the two players, the Spanish giants remained interested in any potential deal.
Barcelona boss rejects both Cristian Romero and Renato Sanches
While their arrivals would have certainly boosted the squad, Sport (via Rac1) reports that Ronald Koeman has turned them both down for different reasons.
In the case of center-back Cristian Romero, Koeman believes signing Romero is unnecessary as Eric Garcia has already filled up the position. Meanwhile, Renato Sanches was rejected as the Dutch coach did not feel that the Portuguese midfielder would be the ideal signing for the center midfielder position.
Should Barca consider signing any of these two stars?