Barcelona register four new signings in time for opener after activating ‘economic lever’

In time for their season-opening game on Saturday, Barcelona has formally signed four new players.

The Spanish club was unable to sign new players due to La Liga financial regulations, but they were able to obtain money by using a few “economic levers.”

The fourth was activated on Friday after receiving La Liga’s approval, enabling Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha to face Rayo Vallecano.

Frenchman Jules Kounde is still on hold for the team.

Sergio Roberto and Ousmane Dembele, whose contracts were both extended this summer but who were also registered, were also subject to the ban.

For Kounde to register, Barcelona must make “salary bulk” accessible.

One of the club’s levers has been the sale of stock in its media production company, Barca Studios, as well as future broadcast rights.

On Friday, they sold a further 24.5% of Barca Studios to Orpheus Media for 100 million euros (£84.6 million). It was anticipated that this sale would generate enough cash to pay La Liga and allow Barcelona to sign at least some new players.

During his news conference on Friday at 17:00 BST, Coach Xavi stated that Barca was “still working on it” and had until two hours prior to kickoff for the registrations to be verified.

At 20:00 BST, Barca will play host to Rayo Vallecano to open their new campaign.

Xavi claims that the club is in a great mood. The fourth lever was now revealed, and we anticipate that it will be installed tomorrow. Tomorrow will tell, but it may not be entirely. There are still up to two hours till the start. The club is putting forth a lot of effort. I’m thrilled and enthused about the new arrivals and the team we’ve put together.

Registrations are still being accepted, but we’re feeling positive right now. We are now capable of competing.