The LaLiga clubs have been quite active this season, but not in the recruitment process. Spanish clubs, in particular, are more into selling this season, than buying players. The likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia have been particularly keen on freeing up their wage bill. But what is the main reason behind the clubs trying to reduce their squad strength? Find out below!
The financial angle
The most obvious of reasons has to be to raise funds. Collecting revenue from transfers becomes increasingly important considering that clubs are incurring heavy losses with every passing matchday. This is due to the absence of the revenue accumulated by ticket sales.
Football in Spain is more of a lifestyle than a pass-time. Hence, packed stadiums make for the most reliable source of income throughout the season. Until fans return to the stadiums, this is probably the only plausible way to raise funds right now.
Valencia seems to be one of the best examples to get this point across.
Over the span of a single transfer window, they have lost their best players in Rodrigo, Parejo, Coquelin, Garay and Ferran Torres.
Bloated Squads
In addition to finances taking a hit, squads have become bloated as well. This results in players becoming unhappy due to lack of game time.
Since every player wants minutes on the pitch, the most constructive solution has to be to send them out on loan or make their moves away permanent.
With the likes of Barcelona, though, things are different. Camp Nou needs a rebuilding, which is why the old bones need to be swapped for young players, hungry for glory. Barcelona have already managed to offload Rakitic, Vidal, Suarez and Semedo in an attempt to revive their status in Europe.
However, Real Madrid are a team with too much quality on their hands. Hakimi, Reguilon, Bale, James Rodriguez, Kubo, Reinier and Oscar Rodriguez are among the departures from the Spanish capital.
With so many talented youngsters, it is difficult to give each and every one of them game time. It is of vital importance that young players get minutes on the pitch, which are essential for their development.
Hence, making some money of them is the most viable solution.
These two cases show the two sides of two great clubs, one seems have everything set for the present and the future. The other, in shambles and crumbling where they stand.
Do check out:
