FC Barcelona Prepare ‘Bombshell Announcement’ For New Squad: Reports

FC Barcelona are preparing a bombshell announcement regarding their new squad for the 2023/2024 season, which will be revealed in the next couple of weeks according to El Nacional.

Due to problems registering their new contracts, star defender Ronald Araujo and midfielder Gavi can leave for free on July 1 if the issue is not ironed out.

According to AS, Gavi has already been approached by Chelsea who are prepared to make him one of the highest-paid members of their growing squad and may also be able to offer him a reunion with former Spain boss Luis Enrique.

Elsewhere, the west London club have been reported by SPORT as attentive to Alejandro Balde’s plight as well.

Though the young left back first graduated from the La Masia academy under the head coach’s predecessor Ronald Koeman, it is on Xavi Hernandez’s watch that the 19-year-old has really made his stamp on the first team.

Dislodging club legend Jordi Alba in their shared position, he has become a mainstay in a record-breaking defense that has leaked just 9 goals in La Liga and puts the Catalans on course to win the Spanish top flight title for the first time in four years.

With the youngster appearing to be an important part of the club’s future along the likes of Araujo, Gavi and Pedri, it is a worry for Barca fans that Balde’s contract expires in 2024.

Furthermore, with Barca warned to shave €200 million ($218 million) from the wage bill to balance salary cap limits, the club could be tempted to offload Balde if rumored offers between €60-80 million ($66-88 million) come in from Chelsea for his signature this summer.

According to El Nacional, however, president Joan Laporta and sporting director Mateu Alemany have already pulled off a coup in getting Balde to agree fresh terms until 2027 or 2028, and the “bombshell news” will be announced in the next fortnight or even sooner.

Earning €6 million ($6.6 million) a year, Balde is expected to ditch his number ’28’ and be given a more prestigious shirt in line with his well-earned, improved status in a talented squad.

As seen with Gavi, however, who was handed Xavi’s ‘6’ then stripped of it after La Liga won an appeal, the only problem that will remain for Laporta and Alemany is actually getting the contract registered.

In the event they fail with this endeavor, Balde will also be up for grabs and could walk for nothing ahead of the 2024/2025 season.