Barça remains immersed in an economic puzzle that affects all their market moves. The current priority is to free up wage bill space in order to register Wojciech Szczesny, a signing intended to strengthen the goalkeeping position. Without that adjustment, the Polish goalkeeper won't be able to be registered in LaLiga despite having a deal finalized with the club.
Hansi Flick expected to have a defined squad before the start of the competition. However, the German coach faces limitations that don't depend on sporting matters, but rather on financial management. This situation creates internal tension and delays the implementation of Barça's new technical project.
Oriol Romeu, the main obstacle in the planning
In this scenario, Oriol Romeu emerges as the main obstacle for Barça to move forward with their plans. The player has a valid contract and isn't part of Hansi Flick's plans, which makes his departure an urgent necessity. As long as his situation isn't solved, the club won't be able to register Szczesny as usual.
Oriol Romeu is completely separated from the first team's dynamics. He trains alone at Ciutat Esportiva, keeping his professionalism despite knowing that the coaching staff don't count on him. The board is working on a mutually agreed contract termination that would allow him to leave as a free agent and open up wage bill space.
Possible destinations to unblock the operation
Girona emerges as the main candidate to sign Oriol Romeu if he arrives as a free agent. The idea of returning to Montilivi appeals both to the player's camp and to the Girona club itself, which would see him as an immediate reinforcement. However, his arrival depends on Barça first finalizing the contract termination agreement.
Another alternative that has appeared is Real Oviedo, which is considering the option of giving him minutes and a leading role in their sporting project. Although it's a less ambitious destination than Girona, it could be a useful place to relaunch his career. These options keep the negotiation alive and increase the pressure on the Catalan board.
Szczesny's registration as an absolute priority
The signing of Wojciech Szczesny is seen as strategic to strengthen Barça's goalkeeping position in Flick's new era. The Polish goalkeeper brings experience, leadership, and reliability to a position that needed immediate competition. However, his official arrival remains blocked until the club manages to balance the wage cap.
The German coach considers it urgent to solve this scenario because he needs stability in planning. Every week without the Polish goalkeeper registered reduces tactical preparation and options for cohesion in the locker room. The outcome of Romeu is, therefore, the key that will open the door to the new era under Hansi Flick.