Unexpected decision at Barça. While all the focus is on the possible signings of Joan García and Nico Williams, FC Barcelona's sporting management has started to carry out internal moves.
These also directly affect young homegrown talents. The first major victim has a name: Gerard Martín.
A diamond who arrived for free... and will leave for €20 million
Gerard Martín has been one of the standout names of the last season. Fast, with vision, trained since childhood in the blaugrana academy, it seemed that his future was tied to the new project led by Hansi Flick.
But no. The club has decided to put him on the market to cash in on a 100% profitable asset.
He arrived at zero cost from the youth system and any income he brings to the coffers will mean net profit for the club's accounts. In times when every euro counts, his sale for €20 million represents pure oxygen for the club's finances. A clear message: nobody is safe if the treasury demands it.
Joan García and Nico, absolute priority
Barça needs to register Joan García, the goalkeeper set to compete for the starting spot, and Nico Williams, who is expected to be one of the major reinforcements of the summer. To do so, it must free up salary cap space and generate immediate income.
That's where Gerard Martín has been chosen to make the sacrifice.
Although there are other more high-profile options, such as selling Ter Stegen or Araujo. The club hits a wall: neither of them wants to leave.
Both feel part of the project, they're comfortable in the city, and they don't accept being used as bargaining chips.
Deco balances to please everyone
Deco knows that unpopular decisions are also part of the job. He needs to balance the numbers, strengthen the squad, register signings... all that without breaking the locker room or creating rifts with the heavyweights.
The sale of Gerard Martín, although painful for the sporting department, is an orderly and quiet exit that fits at the accounting level.
Moreover, with a buy-back clause included, it's not ruled out that he could return in one or two years if his progress continues.