Yet another summer, Barça faced doubts and uncertainties just days before its La Liga debut. And that's four summers now. Hansi Flick was already unable to field Dani Olmo in the first two matchdays last year. A situation that is exacerbated in the offices of Aristides Maillol, but also shared by other teams in the Spanish league. Sevilla, Getafe, and Levante are some of the other clubs that have also been unable to register their new signings. "The problem, especially for Barça, is how the regulations are written," says Rubén Mancera, a lawyer at Salas Miralles & Mancera.

UEFA could severely sanction Barça for breaching its financial regulations for the second year in a row, according to reports. The TimesThe sanction could consist of a hefty fine, a reduction in the number of players Barça can register for the Champions League, or even a loss of points in Europe's top competition. UEFA's final decision will be announced in the coming weeks.