Barcelona’s expected windfall from former defender under threat as Lazio change approach | OneFootball

Barcelona’s ability to profit from the sales of former players has been a valuable financial tool this summer, but one such anticipated windfall could now be reduced.

The player in question is Sergi Dominguez, the 21-year-old centre-back who left the club and has since impressed at Dinamo Zagreb, with Barcelona retaining a percentage of any future sale.

Lazio’s change of approach

Sergi DOminguez was a part of La Masia. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

According to Mundo Deportivo, Lazio have been in negotiations with Dinamo Zagreb over a move for Dominguez.

While talks initially appeared to be progressing smoothly, the latest reports point to a shift in the Italian club’s stance.

Lazio had originally submitted an offer of around €12 million, with Dinamo holding out for €15 million.

However, the Serie A side now appear more inclined to pursue a loan with an option to buy rather than committing to a permanent transfer straight away.

Italian outlet Il Messaggero reports that Lazio are willing to pay €3.5 million for an initial loan, followed by an option to buy for a further €8.5 million.

Dinamo Zagreb, for their part, want that option to be made obligatory, something Lazio would reportedly only accept on the condition that they qualify for European competition.

Why it matters for Barcelona

Barcelona have a clause in Dominguez’s contract. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Barcelona have been monitoring Dominguez’s situation closely, given they hold 20% of any profit from his future sale.

Should Dominguez move to Lazio on loan, Barcelona’s immediate income would be limited to around €470,000. If the Italians eventually trigger the permanent option, Barcelona would receive a further €1.7 million.

That is a notable difference from what a straightforward permanent transfer might have generated, meaning Lazio’s preference for a loan-based arrangement could delay and reduce the boost Barcelona had been anticipating.

For a club still navigating financial constraints, these sell-on clauses have proven a shrewd and reliable source of income. Barcelona retain percentages in a number of former players, allowing them to benefit long after those players have departed.

But in the case of Dominguez, Barcelona, for now, can only wait and see how negotiations between Lazio and Dinamo Zagreb unfold.