There's a little more than a week left before the transfer window closes and Barça still have work to do. With the arrivals section closed, all efforts are now focused on departures. One could happen in the next few hours... with an agreement to terminate Oriol Romeu's contract very close, allowing him to leave as a free agent.
With a contract until June 30, Romeu has agreed to "forgive" part of the salary he's still owed. After making this concession, he'll leave as a free agent and will be able to choose his next destination, with a strong chance of continuing to play in Spain. With this desired departure, a spot will open up in the "fair play" that will allow the registration of one of the most important players for Hansi Flick: Gerard Martín.
Gerard Martín, available for Levante UD
"Mundo Deportivo" has revealed that Barça are working to make Gerard Martín available for the Ciutat de València. Everything depends on resolving Oriol Romeu's situation before the deadline, as his spot could be used for the La Masia defender.
Last season, Gerard played with a reserve team contract, but by contract he must now have a first-team spot. In this regard, "Madrid-Barcelona" has learned that the academy graduate already has a number reserved for his definitive promotion: Jordi Alba's 18. He wants to follow in his idol's footsteps, although with one exception: from left back, he'll be permanently converted to center back by Hansi Flick's express order.
With a contract until 2028, Gerard Martín has rejected the possibility of leaving on a transfer this summer. Barcelona received a €15 million offer from Wolverhampton. Camp Nou was willing to accept it, but the defender himself decided to turn it down and stay.
Matters to solve
Initially, Barça had considered registering Szczesny with the "fair play" caused by Oriol Romeu's departure. However, the money wasn't enough and they've opted for Gerard's option, who is very important for Hansi Flick.
Once all this is solved, the plan is to part ways with Iñaki Peña and Héctor Fort, who are both expected to leave on loan. With these departures, there will be enough space for the Polish goalkeeper, who is still waiting for news while training calmly. There's also hope that there will be enough room for young Roony Bardghji, whom LaLiga has recommended not to register as a reserve team player.
Step by step, little by little. Barça hope everything will end soon, although Gerard is the current priority.