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Barcelona 'shift focus from new signings to contract renewals'

Barcelona 'shift focus from new signings to contract renewals'
© Reuters
Barcelona must reportedly sort out issues with contract renewals relating to Financial Fair Play before they prioritise new signings in the January transfer window.

Barcelona are reportedly set to prioritise sorting out recent contract extensions rather than big-money moves for new players in the near future.

The Blaugrana's long-running financial issues have been well-documented for a while now, as their economic situation made it impossible for the club to keep Lionel Messi on the books.

However, Barcelona were still extremely active in the summer transfer window, spending big to bring Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde to Camp Nou.

Andreas Christensen, Marcos Alonso, Hector Bellerin, Pablo Torre and Franck Kessie also arrived at the club, while a new contract was negotiated with Ousmane Dembele.

President Joan Laporta activated economic levers by selling stakes in TV rights and Barca Studios to fund his side's transfer activity, and they continue to be linked with several big names.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta pictured on August 5, 2022© Reuters

A move for Manchester City's Bernardo Silva has been strongly mooted, and the Blaugrana have also been tipped to make a sensational swoop to re-sign Messi from Paris Saint-Germain.

However, reports in Spain claim that Barcelona must focus on the formalities of new contracts for the time being, as issues still exist with Gavi and Ronaldo Araujo's deals.

Midfield protege Gavi penned a new contract until 2026 back in September, while Uruguayan defender Araujo signed an identical extension with the Blaugrana in April.

Complying with Financial Fair Play is still a problem for Barcelona, though, and as a result, Gavi is yet to receive his upgraded salary or a first-team record sheet.

The 18-year-old was also due to receive the number six shirt as part of his renewal, but he is still donning the number 30 as Barcelona try to alleviate their FFP issues.

Spain's Gavi celebrates scoring their fifth goal on November 23, 2022© Reuters

Furthermore, Araujo is in a similar boat, while renewals for Inaki Pena and Alejandro Balde cannot be formalised until Barcelona trim their wage bill further.

Memphis Depay is expected to be one of the first names out of the door as Barca try to balance the books, with the Dutchman due to become a free agent next summer.

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a January swoop for their former attacker, who is also believed to be on the radar of both Arsenal and Chelsea.

Meanwhile, right-back Bellerin is also set to leave on a free transfer less than a year after returning to Catalonia, having left La Masia in 2011 to sign for Arsenal.

Roma are thought to be keen to sign Bellerin as a replacement for Rick Karsdorp, who seemingly has no future at the club after a falling out with Jose Mourinho.

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Barcelona president Joan Laporta pictured on August 5, 2022
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid38298187266195
2Barcelona38267579443585
3GironaGirona38256785463981
4Atletico MadridAtletico382441070432776
5Athletic Bilbao381911861372468
6Real Sociedad3816121051391260
7Real BetisBetis38141594845357
8Villarreal381411136565053
9Valencia381310154045-549
10AlavesAlaves381210163646-1046
11Osasuna38129174556-1145
12Getafe381013154254-1243
13Celta Vigo381011174657-1141
14Sevilla381011174854-641
15Mallorca38816143344-1140
16Las PalmasLas Palmas381010183347-1440
17Rayo Vallecano38814162948-1938
RCadizCadiz38615172655-2933
RAlmeria38312234375-3221
RGranada3849253879-4121


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