FC Barcelona's planning for the 2025-26 season is entering a critical phase. With just one week left before August begins, Deco has an urgent task: finalize three key departures. The margin is minimal.
The club needs to free up space in the squad and ease its financial situation. Iñaki Peña, Oriol Romeu, and Andreas Christensen have been chosen to leave the team. The challenge is enormous, and time is short.
Iñaki Peña, the first on the list
Joan García's arrival has been decisive, with him and Szczesny as the first-team goalkeepers, Iñaki Peña is left without a spot. Although he has performed well when needed, Flick doesn't consider him part of his project. The club is already working on his departure and has received several inquiries.
Barça hopes to finalize his transfer for about €5 million, a reasonable figure for a young goalkeeper with experience. Teams from Spain and abroad have already asked about him. Deco trusts he will solve his situation in the coming days.
Oriol Romeu, no place in the new Barça
His return to the club was more symbolic than effective. Romeu brought professionalism, but his level hasn't convinced anyone, neither Xavi nor current coach Hansi Flick. From the first training session, the German made his position clear: the midfielder isn't in his plans.
Barça is looking to move him on as soon as possible, they don't expect to receive money for him, but they do want to free up a roster spot and part of the wage bill. A mutually agreed contract termination is being considered, and there is interest from LaLiga clubs and the Turkish league. It's one of the most likely departures.
Christensen, a complicated case
The most difficult to solve is Andreas Christensen's. The Dane has delivered good performances, but the squad has too many center-backs. In addition, names like Cubarsí, Eric Garcia, and Iñigo Martínez are ahead of him in Flick's rotation.
On top of that, his high salary is an obstacle for the club's finances. Barça is hoping for an offer close to €10 million, but the player doesn't intend to leave at any price. It's not a simple operation, and if it isn't finalized soon, it could affect other club decisions.
A market that doesn't let up
These three operations are urgent, not only for sporting reasons but also for economic ones. Barça needs to lighten its wage bill to register players, meet LaLiga requirements, and move freely in the market. In addition, some pending contract renewals, such as Frenkie de Jong's, depend directly on this adjustment.
Deco has a key week ahead. If he manages to solve the three departures before August, the club will be able to breathe. Otherwise, the sporting and financial planning for the season will become more complicated, everything is at stake and time is running out.