Joan Laporta has had a lot of work to do in Saudi Arabia. The president of FC Barcelona isn't there just to watch the Spanish Super Cup, but he's had to make important decisions. The latest has been giving the green light to a transfer that will earn the Catalan club many millions. We are talking about Óscar Mingueza, a homegrown player, who will head to Aston Villa for 20 million euros.
This is the price set by his release clause, which Aston Villa will pay in the coming days. In the contract for Mingueza's sale to Celta, FC Barcelona retained the option to buy him back or continue earning money. In recent hours, the English team has already informed that they will pay his 20 million clause. First, however, a formality was necessary: informing Joan Laporta directly.
Madrid-Barcelona has found that Barça has rejected the option to match the offer and bring him back. This means that the deal for Aston Villa will carry on, paying the 20 million stated in his clause with Celta. This amount won't be all for the Galician entity. They have to give half of the final "prize" to the team headed by Joan Laporta.
On the table, Joan Laporta had two options. One, match the 20 million payment and take Óscar Mingueza, something he has declined. Two, wait for events to unfold and receive half of any transfer, which is what ended up happening. Aston Villa will soon pay his clause in full, directly earning 10 million for FC Barcelona without lifting a finger.
Óscar Mingueza Moves to Aston Villa: 10 Million for Barça
After its latest financial operations, Barça is back in the 1:1 financial rule, so this departure of Óscar Mingueza comes at the best possible time. By fully receiving these 10 million euros, Laporta can use them in any other operation he considers. This will have a very positive impact on Fair Play.
It's not the only "indirect sale" Barça can make during this winter market. To the 10 million it will receive for Mingueza, another 12.5 "rocks" can be added for Francisco Trincão. After all, they still hold 50% of his future sale. It remains a mystery what might happen with Nico González, valued at 60 million and from which 40% of his future transfer can be earned.
The payment of Óscar Mingueza's clause has been very well received at Barça, with the green light from a delighted Joan Laporta.