Here we go again. This time last year, we all read the headlines that made alarming reading for anyone associated with FC Barcelona.
On the eve of the campaign. La Liga rejected an attempt by the club to use its own funds to inflate the value of two of the asset sales it had resorted to balance the books and strengthen its squad.
The wage bill was out of control, and key players had to be left out of the team for the opening league match against Rayo Vallecano.
With various financial levers and much to-ing and throwing, Barca managed to get round their issues, spend big and secure a first Spanish league title in four years.
Yet fast forward 12 months, and there remains question marks over whether the club from Catalonia has managed to get its financial house in order.
The knock-on effect of last summer certainly appears clear after it was claimed the Blaugrana must clear €60 million of its salary limit to be able to register new signings Inigo Martinez and Ilkay Gundogan.
The club says it is the result of a delayed payment from one of their economic levers pulled last summer.
After selling 49-per cent of Barca Media for €200 million, both Orpheus Media and Socios.com paid €10 million up front with a further €60 million due this June.
However, they are yet to pay, and Orpheus Media have publicly said they are up-to-date with their payments. Without that €60 million now, Barcelona need to recoup that money in sales to register players before the end of August.
For this SBOTOP observer, there remains a distinct feeling of Deja vu.
On saying that, the La Liga 2023 betting odds tipped Barca as second favourites last season too and the team proved otherwise.
It doesn’t appear to be stopping manager Xavi Hernandez in the transfer market either with Oriol Romeu poised to be the third arrival of the summer. A deal has reportedly been completed and the player has stopped training with Girona to undergo a medical with the Spanish champions.
While Barca’s finances continue to demand attention, arch rivals Real Madrid are focusing on what could develop into a financial stand-off further afield.
Yes, it’s the Kylian Mbappe situation, as PSG are in a hurry to renew his contract but the player is not.
It is known the Frenchman doesn’t want to continue beyond 2024, yet the Qatari leadership of PSG are furious and pressuring the player that he either leaves now for a fee or signs a new deal.
The one club which appear favourites for his signature were not expecting this development this summer so are quite relaxed, although no one doubts that when the time comes, those in charge at Real Madrid will look for the how, but that moment is not in sight at the moment.
A recent report has suggested that PSG may be able to persuade Mbappe to sign a new contract this summer, on the stipulation that he is allowed to leave in 2024, but for a transfer fee, rather than as a free agent.
In the meantime, they can look forward to seeing their new arrivals in action.
Arda Guler has already made an impressive impact in training, and he showcased his skills in training earlier this week, effortlessly leaving some of his new teammates on the floor before executing a superb goal with remarkable agility and lightning-fast footwork.
Jude Bellingham is also settling in and, after becoming the club’s second-most expensive signing in history, is eagerly anticipating his debut, displaying unwavering enthusiasm and preparedness, ready to make an instant impression and deliver La Liga 2023 highlights.
Away from the big duo, perhaps one of best signings of the summer so far has seen Celta Vigo acquire Ivory Coast international Jonathan Bamba on a three-year contract.
It’s a further addition to strengthen their forward line following the arrival of Carles Perez.
Bamba, 27, has arrived on a free transfer following five seasons with Lille. During that time, he scored 29 goals, assisted 35, and played 200 matches, memorably helping them to the Ligue 1 title two seasons ago. He netted six times and contributed seven assists last term.
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