Reports from "Sport" indicate that Barcelona has proven this season that they are not hesitant to sell players. The most notable deal was the transfer of Ferran Torres, whose contract had only one year remaining. Paris Saint-Germain complied with Luis Enrique's demands, paying nearly €50 million to strengthen their squad with the Spanish World Cup final hero.
Along with Ferran Torres' departure, Barcelona also released youth players such as Jofre Torrents and Tommy Maks, and loaned Araújo to Liverpool, with Anfield covering his full salary. Barcelona is improving its financial situation through player sales to complete necessary signings, still needing to sign a centre-forward and possibly a new defender.
Barcelona currently has three potential deals that could bring in €100 million, involving Marc Casado, Balde, and Hector Fort. These three first-team players were excluded from the squad for the match against Elche, and the club hopes to arrange their departures before the summer transfer window closes on 1 September.
Casado
Casado is valued at €40 million. Saudi clubs are willing to pay this amount, but the player prefers to continue his career in European football. The 22-year-old Casado still has room for development and possesses market appeal. He has been called up to the Spanish national team under Luis de la Fuente, and Barcelona believes his transfer should generate substantial income.
Casado's contract with Barcelona expires in 2028, with a release clause of €100 million. Barcelona hopes to resolve this situation quickly, particularly given that he has lost his squad number. His original number 17 jersey has been reassigned to Anthony Gordon. Casado believes he can maintain his level of performance, but with little time left in the transfer window, the issue remains unresolved.
Balde
Balde's situation represents the biggest surprise in recent days. It seemed he would start the new season normally, but when Flick was asked about the left-back, he stated that he only wanted players who were 100% committed, thus excluding Balde from the squad against Elche. The German coach could play Cancelo at left-back or opt to return Geràrd Martín to his previous position.
Therefore, Balde is now on the transfer market. Like Casado, he is valued at €40 million. The Barcelona left-back has received an offer from Benfica for only €20 million; in England, Aston Villa and Manchester United are also monitoring his situation.
His agent, Jorge Mendes, is negotiating with several clubs. Balde is only 22 years old and still has significant potential for development. In his position, players with his pace and ability are rare.
Balde's contract with Barcelona expires in 2028, with a release clause of €1 billion. He is also a Spanish international, though he was not selected for the squad at the most recent World Cup, where Cucurella and Grimaldo were the established left-backs. He was part of Luis Enrique's Spanish team at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Fort
Another ongoing deal involves Hector Fort. Barcelona values him at approximately €20 million, and Borussia Dortmund has already entered advanced negotiations for his transfer. Other teams, such as Real Sociedad, had previously contacted him, but Dortmund's negotiations are currently the most advanced.
Hector Fort was loaned to Elche last season, but an injury disrupted his progress. The 20-year-old Fort has a bright future, but he is not in Flick's plans. Flick prefers to use Eric García or Koundé in this position, and might even opt for Xavi Simons.
Therefore, if Barcelona receives €40 million each from the transfers of Casado and Balde, plus €20 million from Fort, the club will conclude its outgoing transfers with a total income of €100 million. With only days left before the transfer window closes, it is bound to be hectic, as player departures will also influence new signings for Flick's squad.
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Iskenny
10
So 40m for Balde ?? Is this board so stupid ??