FC Barcelona keeps moving in the market with a clear idea: free up wage bill and generate income. The goal is to comply with the 1:1 rule imposed by Financial Fair Play. To achieve this, the club needs to sell, especially players who aren't in Hansi Flick's plans this season.
In that context, departures have already begun. Some are permanent. Others use formulas that let Barça keep some control over its young talents.
Pablo Torre, the first to leave
One of the deals already closed is Pablo Torre's. The midfielder, who was returning after his loan to Girona, wasn't in the new coach's plans. His destination has been RCD Mallorca.
He signed for four seasons with the Bermellón team. Barça, however, secured a buy-back option and 50% of a future sale. This way, it doesn't completely lose control over a player with potential, but without a place in the current first team.
With this departure, the club managed to bring in a significant amount and free up space in the squad. It won't be the only one. The sporting and financial planning involves more similar moves.
Jan Virgili, the next on the list
The next to leave could be Jan Virgili, one of the academy's gems. The 19-year-old winger was champion with Juvenil A and finished the season playing with Barça Atlètic. He was even drafted to the under-19 national team; his progress hasn't gone unnoticed.
RCD Mallorca wants to repeat the move. It has already made a first offer of €2 million (2 million euros) for the young striker, but Deco has rejected it. Barça values him at €4 million (4 million euros) and wants to include a buy-back option and a percentage of a future sale.
Jan was on the preliminary list for the preseason Asian tour, but Hansi Flick ultimately didn't call him up. That has been a clear message for the player, who sees his departure favorably if it means getting minutes in the First Division.
Strategic moves
At Barça, they know these decisions aren't always popular. Right now, they're necessary. The club needs income to register players and strengthen the team without compromising its financial situation.
Losing talents like Virgili or Torre hurts. If everything goes well, it may not be a definitive goodbye. The control kept in the contracts leaves open the possibility of a return in the future.