Inside Spain is a weekly instalment dropped at you by Soccer España, offering an perception into the entire main tales popping out of the wealthy and intense climes of La Liga and past.
With no video games till the third of January, and the switch window but to open, you may need anticipated a quieter Christmas break in Spain. Lo and behold, Barcelona enter stage proper.
As issues stand, Barcelona can be unable to play Dani Olmo or Pau Victor for the remainder of the season due, after the top of the yr deadline handed with out them being registered. Initially that they had been registered utilizing the wage cap area of Andreas Christensen, because of an emergency harm rule. However with Christensen again from harm, Barcelona needed to discover the finance to register Olmo and Victor in any other case.
The added component to that is that gamers can’t be registered twice, which means if La Liga takes down their registration, they not solely can not play for Barcelona for the remainder of the season, they can’t be be loaned out both. Olmo additionally has a contract clause permitting him to go away at no cost for if he isn’t registered – having value €55m simply 4 months in the past, and together with his total €48m wage from his six-year deal. A €103m mistake. That’s the reason you might have seen Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Manchester Metropolis and Chelsea all linked to him.
As of Thursday afternoon, Barcelona say they’re optimistic that La Liga will register them. They are saying that they had submitted the paperwork for the €100m sale of VIP packing containers for the following 20 years at Camp Nou (as soon as it opens), nevertheless it was La Liga that requested for further ensures, therefore the delay. Nonetheless, they’re actually taking part in quick and free, and President Joan Laporta is risking his tenure.
“I’ve to confess that after I signed for #FCBarcelona I didn’t think about that I would win just one Liga, one Copa del Rey and one Tremendous Cup after 4 years. I anticipated no less than double that, in order that disappoints me.”
??Frenkie de Jong to Voetbal Worldwide. pic.twitter.com/AQpqRJO1rL
— Soccer España (@footballespana_) January 2, 2025
Then there’s Trent Alexander-Arnold – additionally probably obtainable on a free. Liverpool may be briefing that he’s not leaving, and that he can nonetheless signal a brand new deal, however Actual Madrid really feel assured sufficient that Alexander-Arnold needs the transfer to go public with their intentions. Both they signal him on a free subsequent summer time, or they get him at a cheaper price this January. That’s why a bid now’s a free hit of their eyes, with Carlo Ancelotti pushing for reinforcements given Lucas Vazquez is their solely right-back obtainable at the moment.
Los Blancos are additionally on the hunt for different positions: Alphonso Davies is listening to Bayern Munich’s provide earlier than theirs although. Actual Madrid have agreed phrases with him, however gained’t renegotiate, and are much less optimistic about that deal. They’ve reportedly sounded out William Saliba – with a constructive response – for a possible future deal. Barcelona are additionally taking a look at Thomas Partey as a possible choice on the finish of his contract (we all know, the cash is a matter).
Going the opposite approach, Espanyol are holding agency on their €25m asking value for Joan Garcia, the goalkeeper Arsenal moved for final summer time. Their monetary struggles may power them into an uncomfortable negotiating place. Lastly, Frenkie de Jong has mentioned that he would depart Barcelona if he doesn’t really feel like he might contribute successfully… To which many Barcelona followers have identified that he didn’t get off the bench towards Leganes or Atletico Madrid of their final two video games. His contract is up in 2026, and talks for an extension are prone to be tough.
