I’ve been pointing this out for a while now: there are players in our squad who earn significantly higher wages, and logically, they should be the ones we prioritize in discussions about transfers or restructuring. Yet, it seems the focus is being placed on the smaller, lower-earning players, which doesn’t make much sense from a strategic or financial perspective. It’s important to consider the broader picture, weighing both performance and market value before making such decisions.
Looking at the squad, we still have Casado, Bernal—who is currently recovering—and Gavi, whose temporary absence won’t create a significant gap. Their presence means that losing a player like FDJ wouldn’t immediately destabilize the team. While FDJ contributes on the field, his departure wouldn’t hit the team as hard as it might seem at first glance, especially with other talented players ready to step up.
From a financial standpoint, FDJ is now 28 years old. After three more seasons, his market value is likely to decline, potentially falling below €20 million. We’ve seen similar situations in the past, such as with Rakitic. At one point, he had offers from top clubs like Manchester City and others for around €60 million, but the club refused to sell him. Just two seasons later, Rakitic was sold to Sevilla for less than €10 million. This highlights how waiting too long to make a decision can severely diminish a player’s market value.
I’m not saying FDJ must be sold immediately, but considering a transfer now isn’t necessarily a bad idea. If we wait until he’s nearing the end of his contract or after two to three more seasons, we may gain very little from him, as his value will likely drop or he could leave on a free transfer. By acting now, we have the potential to secure a solid return—around €50 million—while still maintaining the squad’s stability and planning effectively for the future.
