The FC Barcelona seems to be getting closer to closing a deal that would solve several of its transfer market incorporation issues. The Culé team is rapidly advancing towards signing a new sponsorship agreement with Nike. In fact, as several sources recently revealed, LaLiga already has the new contract for evaluation and approval.
If everything continues on track, the Barcelona team would gain significant economic power. This new agreement with the 'swoosh' brand is expected to provide a substantial financial boost, with a renewal premium that could range between €120 and €150 million, in addition to a fixed payment of €90 million per season. If confirmed, these amounts would help the Catalan team comply with 'fair play' regulations and start operating under the 1/1 rule.
Once this matter is resolved, the Culés could make transfers more frequently and without the economic restrictions they have experienced in this transfer window. This point is of utmost importance, especially if achieved before the conclusion of the summer transfer market, scheduled to end on August 31 at 23:59. Why is this crucial? Given that the Blaugrana team is racing against time, they could seize the opportunity to secure the signing of a 'top' player to strengthen the squad. This acquisition would likely focus on bolstering the left-wing position.
The 'big signing' FC Barcelona could make
Amid uncertainty surrounding Nico Williams and with Luis Díaz becoming increasingly distant, it appears that the Barcelona board is considering Rafael Leão, the Portuguese left-winger from AC Milan, as their main transfer target in this summer window. Securing the services of the Portuguese would represent a significant investment for the club, either through his release clause or through negotiations with AC Milan in case of a possible sale.
If FC Barcelona seeks to add the forward to their squad via his release clause, they would have to pay a substantial sum of €175 million, valid only in July of each year until the end of his contract in 2028. The other option would be to negotiate with the 'Rossoneri', although this path also presents its complexities, as the Italian club seems reluctant to sell the player this summer, and any deal is speculated to exceed €100 million.
From this perspective, it remains to be seen how Barcelona will act if they manage to secure the necessary conditions to incorporate players without restrictions. Will they directly go for the Portuguese signing, or will they attempt to make a move for Nico Williams, or consider other options in the market? This issue is becoming increasingly tangled, as the seemingly most suitable option from an economic and sporting perspective, Federico Chiesa, has become considerably more complicated for two reasons: Barcelona's inability to register assets and Liverpool's supposed interest in the Genoese forward, which could lead the 'Reds' to snatch him away from the Catalan team with a project that seems to be significantly appealing to him.