LaLiga have approved Barcelona‘s two-year financial viability plan in a decision which will allow the Catalan club to register the new contracts signed by Ronald Araujo and Gavi, among others, various sources have confirmed to ESPN.
A source at Barca said the league’s OK, received on Tuesday, means they can also “make advances” in the transfer market after coach Xavi Hernandez confirmed they need to strengthen the squad to compete in the Champions League next season.
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The approval, therefore, could boost their chances of signing Messi, although sources at both LaLiga and Barca added that the club must still adhere to the 40% rule for now, which means they can only spend 40% of anything they save in wages or generate in transfer fees.
In approving Barca’s viability plan, LaLiga have recognised savings the club have already made through the closure of Barca TV and the departures of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who were two of the biggest earners in the team.
Therefore, Barca will finally register the new contracts signed by Araujo, Gavi, Marcos Alonso, Sergi Roberto and Inaki Pena. They also hope left-back Alejando Balde will commit to a new deal soon following positive talks with his agent, Jorge Mendes.
The Gavi case had been particularly precarious for Barca, with the possibility that he could leave for free this summer if his registration did not go through in time — although the midfielder has always expressed his desire to remain at the club.
