FC Barcelona have managed to register Ferran Torres in accordance with the FFP rules of La Liga. The former La Liga champions completed the swoop for the former Manchester City winger earlier this winter.
Barcelona and Manchester City agreed upon a €55 million sale price for the Spaniard, who is set to make his official La Liga return after spending almost a season and a half at the Etihad.
Barcelona try to register Torres by offloading Coutinho
Having completed the move, the Catalan giants were struggling to register the winger as they had to reduce their wage bill in accordance with the FFP rules. To complete the registration of the versatile forward, Philippe Coutinho was loaned out to Aston Villa with a buy-option for €40 million, which can be exercised at the end of the season. Having said that, Barca sporting director soon revealed that Coutinho’s departure was not enough to register Torres, though it seemed like it would be more than enough. During his stay at Camp Nou, Coutinho was one of the highest earners in the Barca ranks and his departure should have facilitated the 21-year-old’s registration but it wasn’t enough.
A 65/35 split was agreed upon by the two clubs with the Villains agreeing to pay the bigger split of the wages. The rest of the 35% of the wages which Barca had to pay, was given up by the player. Unfortunately for the former La Liga champions though, it was not enough and it meant that they had to either facilitate other departures or reduce their overall wage cap.
Samuel Umtiti helps Barcelona register Ferran Torres
Samuel Umtiti’s current contract runs out in 2023 and the Frenchman was one of the highest earners at Barca. The 28-year-old was offered a new contract by the Blaugrana, despite them trying to part ways with the defender in recent times. It is understood that Umtiti and Barcelona have reached an agreement over a 3-year contract extension until 2026, one that will allow Barcelona some much-needed financial room.
The player is said to have agreed to a 10% pay-cut with the amount to be paid to him from now until 2023 being stretched until 2026. There is also a clause in the player’s contract, which would allow him to leave for free in 2023, should he desire. With this financial room, Barcelona were successful in registering Ferran Torres, who will be available for selection for the former La Liga champions’ next La Liga game against Alaves on January 24th.
The financial clean-up has well and truly begun in Barcelona. Umtiti’s renewal has not only handed Barcelona a significant amount of financial room but also a boost in their efforts to sell the Frenchman. Earlier, the World Cup winner’s wages were enough to off-put any potential suitors but with the center back taking a noticeable pay-cut, Umtiti could be on his way out this winter. Moreover, as per Gerard Romero, Barcelona have managed to close down another ‘departure’ but the name of the player has not been revealed yet. It is said to be a matter of days before the official announcement is sent across.
