Barcelona still can't register Joan Garcia or Marcus Rashford despite freeing up significant cash from defender's surprise transfer to Al-Nassr

Martinez is finalising a move to Al-Nassr after receiving a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League. According to Marca, his departure saves Barcelona €14 million (£12m/$15m) in annual wages, but La Liga’s financial rules mean that Joan Garcia, who was signed from Espanyol for €25m (£21m/$27m) still cannot be registered. Because Barca are not currently under the 1:1 spending rule, they can only use 60 per cent of the saved amount, Mundo Deportivo reports, which isn’t enough to cover Garcia’s amortisation costs.

Barcelona’s registration struggles also impact Marcus Rashford, whose high wages from Manchester United, even after reductions, exceed the freed-up space. The club has several other players like Roony Bardghji and Gerard Martin awaiting registration but the club has made Garcia and Rashford the top priorities.

The Catalan giants are pinning their hopes on two possible solutions to ease financial restrictions. The first involves the approval of VIP boxes at Camp Nou, once auditors validate the new boxes and permits are received, the club could return to the 1:1 rule and fully utilise wage savings. The second hinges on Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s injury, if La Liga accepts a medical ruling confirming he’ll be sidelined for over four months, the club could free up 80% of his salary, enabling García’s registration without being impacted by the 1:1 rule.

Barcelona hope to resolve the situation next week when the VIP box approvals are expected. If not, Garcia’s competitive debut will have to wait. In the meantime, Barca face a race against time before La Liga kicks off next weekend to get their new signings ready to play.