The biggest flaw in Barcelona’s transfer window so far was the wrong sense of expectation that was spread to the fans and players.
The Blaugrana were never close to returning to the financial 1:1 rule as it depended on pulling through the deals with Nike and Barca Vision all along.
The operations that had not been completed in months were never going to go through in time for the summer transfer window.
Yet, Barcelona planned as if they had the financial muscle of an elite European club and now stare at a window that has been underwhelming at best.
Squad cannot be weakened
Despite Barcelona’s blatant economic struggles, there was talk earlier this week that the club could sell Eric Garcia to create space on the FFP front and rope in a new centre-back in his place.
As revealed in a recent update by Mundo Deportivo, Hansi Flick is clear that Garcia cannot be sold this summer.
While Girona are indeed interested in winning back his services, the German coach insists the squad cannot be weakened any further, especially given the team’s near-zero possibility of bringing in a replacement.
After all, Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen will be unavailable for an extended period, leaving only Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez as the two available options.
The report further adds that Flick’s insistence over Garcia’s continuity is also linked to the Spaniard’s versatility.
Flick sees the Olympic Gold medalist to be an able candidate to play as a centre-back, full-back or a pivot. With Bernal now injured, moreover, Garcia’s presence in the squad is seen as a non-negotiable.
While the player is currently injured, there is hope that his blow is nothing serious. There is, however, no set date for his return as it stands.
