Amid the Negreira case scrutiny and hours after UEFA inspectors opened an investigation, FC Barcelona pushes ahead with plans for next season. Having come under scrutiny for fair play and facing a potential 200 million euros reduction in wage costs, Barça now faces a tighter financial margin starting July 1. Mateu Alemany, the club’s director of football, maps out a two-pronged approach. First, to generate cash by selling players who may depart if a strong offer arrives this summer. Second, to sign players who are out of contract and can move on as free agents, avoiding transfer fees entirely. The guiding idea for this summer is simple: sell well and spend little.
Summer objective: maximize sales, minimize expenditure
Although the season shows no sign of ending, with three months left, Alemany has a clear plan and limited flexibility. The focus is on identifying which players can exit for substantial sums and how to shrink the payroll by reducing wages, easing the club’s financial burden. On the recruitment front, Barça aims to bring in players who are available on free transfers, matching salaries to the club’s complex budget. While a right-back may be considered, the emphasis remains on strengthening defense and midfield.
Iñigo Martínez or Evan N’Dicka, the defensive dilemma
Even with months still ahead in the season, Alemany builds a precise roadmap with defined profiles. In defense, Iñigo Martínez appears on Barça’s radar. The Athletic Club defender has not renewed his contract, with offers from several clubs on the table. Barça maintains ongoing dialogue with Martínez’s representatives, hopeful that an agreement can be reached by July 1. If a deal closes, Martínez could fit Barça’s fair-play targets for next season. Atlético de Madrid has shown interest, though no concrete bid has arrived yet.
Another name in Barça’s strategic mix is Evan N’Dicka from Eintracht Frankfurt. The central defender’s contract ends on June 30, and his profile aligns with the club’s needs and budget. Barça has already contacted the player and his team, seeing him as a viable free-agent acquisition. If the departure of current players aligns, N’Dicka could join without a transfer fee, with a compensation package to seal the deal. For both Martínez and N’Dicka, any signing would avoid a transfer fee but could involve a signing bonus to finalize contracts.
Gundogan and Abde: other strategic moves
Another component of Barça’s plan is Ilkay Gundogan. Alemany has hinted at discussions involving Gundogan’s circle, though the emphasis was on Andreas Christensen. Regardless, Gundogan remains a favored piece, seen as a potential substitute for Busquets if the veteran leaves. While Gundogan’s salary is high and a signing bonus would be necessary, many at Barça believe a move could represent a meaningful career step if Busquets departs.
A third name on the agenda is Ez Abde. On loan to Osasuna, the Moroccan winger continues to develop and could return to the first team if finances allow, potentially filling an attacking role without a transfer. The instructions for the summer are clear: maximize cash, minimize outlays, and recruit immediate impact players who require no transfer fee. This is the so‑called Mateu formula—good, beautiful, and cheap, with no euros left to waste.
In essence, Barça seeks a swift, economical rebuild: sell high, buy low, and avoid big financial commitments. The club’s plan hinges on smart exits, efficient signings, and a lean squad that can compete at the highest level without compromising financial stability. The objective is a sharp, pragmatic summer that strengthens the team while adhering to strict budgetary constraints.