Barcelona faces second consecutive summer exodus as key players depart due to financial troubles.
The European champions' women's team is facing a major upheaval with the departure of top players like Alexia Putellas, Ona Batlle, and Mapi León. Seven players have left so far this summer, with only 19-year-old Renee van Asten from Ajax as the sole addition.
These departures come despite securing all four trophies in a memorable 2025-26 season. The exodus is primarily due to financial fair play issues within Barcelona's men's team, which have disrupted operations across the club at every level. With key players leaving on free transfers, some observers see this as an internal management crisis.
Financial Fair Play Troubles
The women's squad now has only 17 senior players with a shortage of experienced goalkeepers, defenders, and forwards. Among the departures are Mapi León who left for London City Lionesses, where she rejoins former teammates like Jana Fernández and Lucía Corrales.
Player Movements
Other notable leavers include Alexia Putellas to London City Lionesses on a free transfer, Ona Batlle joining Arsenal with former Barcelona teammate Mariona Caldentey. Salma Paralluelo still decides her future but PSG is the favored destination.
- With only two signings so far, Barcelona needs immediate reinforcements for the upcoming season. Midfielders like Carla Julià and Rosalía Domínguez are potential candidates to move to the first team should the club prioritize internal promotion options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Barcelona sign seasoned professionals or academy products?
Barcelona has expressed a commitment to making signings soon, but it remains unclear whether they will bring in experienced players or continue promoting from within the academy. Last season’s success came partly due to academy players like Aïcha Camara and Clara Serrajordi.