A Key Day in the Offices

On a national holiday, FC Barcelona is racing against the clock to complete two vital registrations ahead of their LaLiga opener against Real Mallorca this Saturday at Son Moix. Joan Garcia, the 23-year-old goalkeeper from Espanyol, and Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, could be officially registered in the coming hours if LaLiga approves the pending paperwork.

The Joan Garcia case is moving forward thanks to the long-term injury to Marc-André ter Stegen, whose absence of at least five months allows the club to free up 80% of his salary. This ensures the goalkeeper will be registered for the entire season, without the need to renew his registration in January.

Rashford, Flick’s Top Priority

The other major urgency is Marcus Rashford. The English forward is still not listed on LaLiga’s official roster, but the club is confident that the guarantee approved by the board of directors last Wednesday will unlock the move. The document, worth €7 million, not only covers last season’s budget shortfall but also creates the financial margin needed for his registration.

With Robert Lewandowski ruled out through injury and despite having Ferran Torres as an option, Hansi Flick is eager to have Rashford available for his league debut. The Englishman has done his part by giving up a significant portion of his salary to wear the Blaugrana shirt.

More Moves on the Horizon

Barça still has the registrations of Tek Szczęsny, Gerard Martín, Roony Bardghji, and Marc Bernal pending. Everything could be resolved if LaLiga approves the sale of 457 VIP seats at the Spotify Camp Nou, valued at around €100 million. This income would return the club to the 1-1 rule in financial fair play, allowing them to sign and register players without restrictions.

In that scenario, and following the departure of Iñigo Martínez, Flick is not ruling out strengthening the heart of his defense with a left-footed center-back who can provide clean ball distribution from his natural side.