Barcelona consider €45 million-rated forward registration in time as ‘a miracle’

Things just do not seem to be going Barcelona’s way at the moment.

Following the shock departure of Lionel Messi to PSG after their inability to renew his contract, Barca have been struck down with another piece of bad news.

According to Catalunya Radio, the Blaugrana are facing a race against time to register new signing Memphis Depay in time to feature in their La Liga season opener.

Signed on a free transfer this summer after his contract with Olympique Lyon ran out, Depay has been a shining light in the pre-season for Barcelona. Amidst all the negativity due to Messi’s exit, the wage bill issues, the contract situation of Ilaix Moriba, among other problems, the Dutchman offered some optimism heading into the new season.

However, Barcelona might not be able to register him with La Liga in time for their first game of the 2021/22 season. The Catalans kick off their campaign with a home game against Real Sociedad on Sunday evening.

And, as things stand, Catalunya Radio claims that it will be no short of a ‘miracle’ if Barca are able to complete the registration procedure for Depay in time for him to be eligible for the contest. Gol Television further goes on to report that there is only a 5% chance of that happening.

This comes as a major blow for Ronald Koeman & co. as they will also be without fellow new signing Sergio Aguero, who is still unregistered and also ruled out with an injury. Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele, too, will be unavailable due to injuries.

Barcelona have reportedly been successful in registering one of their four new signings – Emerson Royal in time for Sunday’s game. However, they will need to shed more load from their bloated salary bill if Depay can be added to the registered list.

Time is running out fast for Joan Laporta & co.

Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.