Barcelona unsure of how much FFP space attacker’s departure to Atletico would generate

Barcelona are in such a dire economic situation that registering new signings has become a task involving laborious calculations. Every penny, it seems, makes a difference on that front.

According to reports from Toni Juanmarti, that is the biggest hurdle blocking Memphis Depay’s move to Atletico Madrid.

It is clear Xavi Hernandez does not count on the player but will only let him move away if the club can sign a reinforcement. However, the Catalans are unsure of how much space Depay’s departure would clear on the wage bill and Financial Fairplay front, thus making it difficult to negotiate terms for a replacement.

The likely solution is to do prior accounts with La Liga if an agreement is reached with a replacement and find out the fee needed to seal all the holes. The calculated amount will be charged from Los Rojiblancos such that both parties benefit.

If the Blaugranas first seal the Dutchman’s departure without the aforementioned procedure, they could be left without a backup option.

The journalist also adds that Barcelona already have a list of low-budget replacements ready. No names have been revealed, but one would assume the likes of Marcus Thuram and Youssoufa Moukoko to make the cut.

Both players are in the final year of their contracts and will be free agents come June. This gives Barcelona the upper hand in the negotiations and will help lower the fee involved.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s return was initially seen as a viable option, but no more after RFEF’S rules regarding registeration were revealed.

The talks between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are accelerating rapidly, and developments are expected in the coming days. All eyes now will be on Joan Laporta and his hunt for an economically viable replacement.