FC Barcelona is going through key days. With less than two weeks left before its league debut, the team's goalkeeping situation remains a puzzle.
Only Ter Stegen, who is injured, and Iñaki Peña, who may leave, are registered. Joan Garcia, the board and coaching staff's big bet, still isn't officially registered.
Joan Laporta made it clear in Seoul: "In 4 or 5 days everything should be solved." The message, short but forceful, suggests that Barça is taking a big risk in this final stretch of the summer.
A problem that can explode in January
The fastest solution to register Joan Garcia would be to use Ter Stegen's medical leave. LaLiga allows a club to register a player to replace one who is out with a long-term injury. Laporta has been very clear: that would only serve to buy time.
If Joan Garcia is registered through that route, when Ter Stegen returns in January, the problem will come back. Barça would have to free up salary space again to avoid breaking the "financial fair play" rules. It would be kicking the can down the road, which nobody wants.
That's why the board is working against the clock to create real margin. What they're looking for isn't a patch, but a stable solution that prevents surprises in the middle of the season.
Revenue that can unlock everything
To free up the necessary space, Barça needs extraordinary revenue and they're close to getting it. One of the most important is the agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This sponsorship will bring in about €40 million.
In addition, the 475 VIP seats at the new Spotify Camp Nou are finished and ready to be marketed. If the Crowe Spain audit certifies it, the club will be able to justify up to €100 million more in operating revenue.
To this is added the pending payment from New Era Visionary Group, which must pay €42 million in two installments. If everything is completed this week, Joan Garcia will be able to be registered without the need for administrative shortcuts.
Laporta assures that everything is on the right track, but he also wanted to make it clear that the margin is minimal. "We're very close to the goal," he said, though he isn't taking his foot off the gas.
Rashford, Szczesny… and the final puzzle
Beyond Joan Garcia, Barça is also working to register Wojciech Szczesny and Marcus Rashford. The Polish goalkeeper must be registered as a signing after renewing his contract. Rashford is one of the biggest moves of the summer.
For now, the club isn't considering selling players to create space. The priority is to close the audits and confirm the aforementioned revenue. If everything goes as planned, all three players will be registered before the league debut.
If something fails, the scenario could get complicated. Joan Garcia is first on the list and has the least margin. That's why Laporta's message sounds more like a warning than a simple statement of intent.