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Barcelona’s members have agreed to the sale of merch and TV rights, giving a boost to their summer transfer plans – but what does that mean for the future of Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski?
The Spanish club’s financial woes are well documented but after three years of losses, there is hope for Barcelona that they can now end the year in profit following this latest development.
La Liga’s salary cap is currently preventing Barcelona from registering free-agent signings Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie after their respective contracts at Chelsea and AC Milan expired.
Still, Barcelona are said to be keen on signing Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski and Chelsea duo Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso. Reports from Spain suggest that Sevilla defender Jules Kounde and Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva are also on their shortlist.
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It was unclear how many of his goals Barcelona could afford this summer ahead of Thursday’s vote due to their financial constraints.
The sale of Frenkie de Jong to Manchester United was under consideration to raise funds for other causes. Talks between the clubs are ongoing and Erik ten Hag is keen on reuniting with the former Ajax midfielder at Old Trafford.
Spanish football pundit Alvaro Montero has sat down with Sky Sports News to explain what to expect from Barcelona following this latest development…
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How much money could this bring in Barca?
“Yesterday, Barcelona board members proposed selling 49.9% of BLM, a company founded in July 2018 four years ago. It is the company that runs the club’s retail business, specifically merchandising. With this operation, they expect to earn between €200 and €300 million, approved yesterday by the majority of the Barcelona Assembly.
“Barcelona board members have decided to sell or give away the 25% of TV rights for the next few years.
“In both companies they expect to earn between 600 and 700 million euros in the next few years. It will do them good to solve their financial problems.
“It’s the only way for Barcelona football club to resist and continue fighting economically.”
What does this mean for Barca’s Lewandowski pursuit?
Robert Lewandowski is Barcelona’s main target this summer
“Everyone at the club says that Robert Lewandowski is the No. 1 target. They say unofficially that the player wants to sign for Barcelona. In fact, in Catalonia and here in Spain, it is said that Robert Lewandowski rejected teams like Chelsea or Paris St. Germain.
“But it’s not just Robert Lewandowski, it’s the opportunity to sign players like Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta from Chelsea, Jules Kounde and Bernardo Silva.
“I think Bernardo Silva will depend on what happens with Frenkie de Jong because we all know that Frankie de Jong is wanted by Manchester United. We’ve been talking about that famous €70-80m for the past few weeks, maybe plus .” Bonuses that appear to be the exact same amount as Manchester City will ask for Bernardo Silva.
Bernardo Silva (right) celebrates his team’s goal
“The feeling at Barcelona is that Bernardo Silva wants to play for them, wants to play at Barcelona, wants to come to the Nou Camp. I’m not sure but they say the player has spoken to Manchester City.” and Pep Guardiola asking them to listen – at least listen – to Barcelona’s offers. So maybe there’s a possibility that Bernardo Silva could come if Frenkie de Jong leaves Barcelona for Manchester United.
“But not only Kounde, not only Alonso, not only Azpilicueta, target number 1 is Robert Lewandowski and with this financial technique Robert Lewandowski seems to be closer.”
Will de Jong end up at Man Utd?
Frenkie de Jong is a key target for Manchester United
“I have said that he will play for Manchester United for two reasons. First of all, he knows that Erik ten Hag wants him, it’s his wish. It’s Manchester United knocking on their door, a great club in the Premier League.
“Aside from Bernardo Silva’s recent interest, there is an economic issue and Barcelona believe that Frenkie de Jong is the player with the greatest market value and one with which they can make more money. We’re talking about €70-80m, that is .” is a lot these days.
“I will say that although he has told Barcelona and his national team, the Netherlands, that he wants to stay at Barcelona, it is a great opportunity for Frenkie de Jong to leave the club. But Manchester United is a great option, so I.” would say it’s very close, mainly because Frenkie de Jong understands Barcelona’s poor economic situation.”