La Liga is set to kickoff this weekend with Barcelona taking on Getafe at Coliseum Alfonso Perez for their opening game. Less than a week remains before the first official game kicks off, and there is still worry surrounding player registrations.
According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, there is tangible tension in the Barcelona offices regarding the same.
Xavi Hernandez has only 13 players currently registered for the new season, and two of them, i.e. Ousmane Dembele and Franck Kessie, are on the verge of leaving.
Instead of pushing for new signings like Ivan Fresneda, Bernardo Silva and Neymar Jr, it is thus vital that the administration first work on the registrations. After all, there would be a heavy price to pay if they cannot.
Worrying clauses on player contracts
Barcelona’s struggles in registering new signings is not unheard of. One remembers the time when only a significant wage reduction by Gerard Pique helped the team register Memphis Depay.
Last summer, Jules Kounde had to wait for a few games into the season to get registered and feature for the club in La Liga.
The Blaugranas have thus been forced to include a registration clause in the contracts of newly signed players.
According to MD, Gundogan can leave Barcelona on a free transfer if he is not registered by the 13th of August.
A similar clause stands in the contract of Inigo Martinez, by which he can leave on loan with his salary to be paid in full if he is not registered.
Pending renewal registrations
The Catalans’ worry about the registration does not end with new signings. After all, there are several stars who have signed new deals with the club who have been waiting a long time for the registration.
Ronald Araujo extended his deal with the club on a higher salary back in April 2022. Over a year later, the Blaugranas are yet to register his new terms with La Liga.
Other players such as Inaki Pena, Sergi Roberto, and Marcos Alonso have not had their new contracts registered while Gavi’s first-team registration has been done only due to a court order.
An urgent need for funds
Joan Laporta planned to sell a 16% stake in Barça Studios in exchange for an economic injection of €65 million from a German firm this summer. The liquidation of assets would help the club register all players without trouble.
The deal has come to a halt though, sparking concerns, but Barcelona remain confident about the operation going through.
However, with less than a week left for the season to start, the club will be intent on taking care of the matter at the earliest.
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