After Balde’s injury, is it possible to register a new player?

After the bitter loss to Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals of the Copa Del Rey, El Blaugrana fans received another disturbing news. FC Barcelona announced the injury of left-back Alejandro Balde. Balde’s injury came in the 22nd minute in the cup loss vs Athletic Bilbao. Now, we already know that his absence may reach up to 4 months – in case of surgical intervention.

Complex process..

And here the question arises. If Balde is actually absent for a period exceeding 6 months, can Barcelona register a new player? 
The process seems complicated, in this case we have to look at a case similar to Balde’s.
As we remember, Gavi suffered a cruciate ligament tear during last November’s international break with the Spanish national team. Therefore, 80% of Gavi’s annual salary can be used to register the contract of any free agent. In that case, Barcelona registered ​​the Brazilian Vitor Roque. In other words, the amount actually paid from Gavi’s annual salary was not included in the 80% that is allowed to be used to score Vitor Roque.

Can Barcelona use the same strategy with Balde’s injury?
When FC Barcelona decides to use up 80% of Gavi’s contract, it will be deducted from the 24/25 salary cap. It would be stressful for the club’s financial accounts for next season if they actually decided to use the same strategy, or if La Liga allowed it at all.

Another knot to untie…

As is the case with Vitor Roque, and according to the law of the 80% strategy. If FC Barcelona is allowed to use the same strategy by registering a new player, and the club signs a player with a contract of more than 6 months, that is, a contract and not a loan, then that registration will be deleted next summer, and it must be registered again.

Because La Liga considers the case of Roque, or any player if FC Barcelona signs him, as an additional contract or what can be called a “loan”, as it is included from January till next summer. When the contract expires, the player’s registration will be immediately canceled as a temporary operation. Therefore, FCB must register him again.

Note to be remembered: Balde’s absence must be more than 6 months for the 80% rule to be allowed.

Ahmed Waleed

Sports Journalists – La Liga specialist, Specifically about FC Barcelona