Barcelona faces financial hurdle: big sale needed to register Joan Garcia and Nico Williams

FC Barcelona has activated the €25 million release clause to sign goalkeeper Joan Garcia from Espanyol, securing a six-year contract for the 24-year-old who led La Liga in saves last season.

However, La Liga president Javier Tebas has warned that Barcelona currently lacks the salary cap space to register both Garcia and winger Nico Williams, whose €58 million release clause at Athletic Club is also a summer target.

"The club do not currently have the salary cap space to register both players, and need to make ‘major adjustments’ to get their finances in order," Tebas said.

This financial hurdle means Barcelona must make significant player sales to comply with league regulations. Defenders Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen are among those linked with potential departures.

Garcia, who made 67 appearances for Espanyol and was the league’s top goalkeeper in saves (146) and save percentage (73.71%), is expected to compete for the starting spot at Camp Nou.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s sporting director Deco is reportedly in talks with Nico Williams, aiming to finalize a deal despite the financial constraints.

The club’s ability to register these key signings hinges on offloading players to reduce wage commitments, highlighting the ongoing financial balancing act at Barcelona as they rebuild their squad.

Garcia said upon leaving Espanyol, "The time has come to part ways. I have tried to grow every day as a footballer and as a person, always with humility, effort, and the pride of defending the RCD Espanyol goal."

Barcelona’s summer transfer window will be closely watched as they navigate these financial challenges to secure their new talents.

FC Barcelona faces financial challenges registering new signings Joan Garcia and Nico Williams due to salary cap limits. The club activated Garcia's €25 million release clause and targets Williams with a €58 million clause but must make major sales, possibly including Ronald Araujo or Andreas Christensen, to comply with La Liga rules.