LALIGA SANTANDER
Barcelona want Gündogan and Martínez: what is their proposed ‘fair play clause’?
LaLiga leaders Barça may need to get creative to bring new players to Camp Nou amidst Financial Fair Play restraints.
Barcelona are hopeful of signing Manchester City’s Ilkay Gündogan and Iñigo Martínez of Athletic Club on free transfers once their contracts at their current clubs expire on 30 June and have come up with an unusual new ‘fair play clause’ to be able to take them to Camp Nou, according to Jijantes. The Catalan giants plan to reach agreements with both players that would initially see them go out on loan if Barça were unable to register them because of Financial Fair Play restraints. The pair would earn the amount stipulated in their contract with La Blaugrana while at their loan club.
Martínez keen, Gündogan less so
Whether any other club would be willing to pay those wages, however, remains to be seen. LaLiga is monitoring the situation carefully and, if it does come to pass, will do everything in their power to ensure the club where the players end up are happy with the conditions of the loan. According to Catalan news outlet Mundo Deportivo, Spain international Martínez would be prepared to accept those terms. Jijantes claim that Gündogan, capped 66 times for Germany, has reached an agreement with Barcelona but is less keen on the ‘fair play’ clause, which the club hope can help them strengthen their roster ahead of next season.
How much do Barcelona need to save on wages?
It has been widely reported that Barça are required to slash their wage bill by around €200 million for the 2023-24 campaign. As a result of their overspending on player contracts, they have been unable to register young starlet Gavi on a first-team contract, with a clause in his current deal meaning that he is free to leave this summer if he so wishes.