FC Barcelona are making rapid progress in their endeavor to strengthen their squad for the next season. They have already paid the release clause and signed the RCD Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, while they are also advancing in their operation to reinforce the attack by signing the Athletic Club winger Nico Williams.
In this regard, they have already arrived at a personal agreement with the Basque forward, who has agreed to sign for six years while significantly decreasing his wages.
Confidence in Avoiding a Big Sale
However, despite this decrease in wages, the Blaugranes will have to make some space on their wage bill to get the duo registered for the next season, and will have to make some sales from their current team for this purpose.
In this regard, Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona are confident that they will not have to make a big sale to get the Spanish duo registered, and the departures of players like Ansu Fati, Pau Victor, Pablo Torre, Inaki Pena, Oriol Romeu, Andreas Christensen, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen will be enough.
Complications Remain
The Catalans still have a lot to do to ensure these exits, but the club is optimistic about the chances of its success in this regard. Still, it will be easier said than done. Ter Stegen’s departure could prove to be highly complicated as he is firm in his intention to fulfil his contract till 2028.
Similarly, Fati is in contact with Monaco, but there is still no agreement reached, and negotiations are progressing slowly. The rest of these mentioned players’ processes are also moving at quite a slow pace.
Ronald Araujo’s Uncertain Future
While Barcelona are not planning a major sale, one name that still lingers in the background is Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan centre-back’s release clause will drop to €60 million from July 1st to 15th, a window that could tempt suitors.
Bayern Munich have previously shown interest, and the club has not ruled out a potential departure if the player himself is open to it.
Araujo, for his part, has publicly expressed his desire to stay. Barcelona rejected a winter approach from Juventus, and the defender later renewed his contract until 2029. However, with his starting spot no longer guaranteed, Flick’s assessment of his role next season could play a decisive role in the coming weeks.
What’s Next?
Barcelona’s summer plan hinges on freeing up just enough space to register Joan Garcia and Nico Williams without touching the core of the squad. While much work remains, the club remains cautiously optimistic that they can finalize both operations without a major financial sacrifice.
