Luis Fernando León, Ecuadorian defender returning from Mexico with only six games played in San Luis Potosi, is Barcelona's latest signing for the 2021 season. With the center-back, the canaries reach eleven signings, joining Leonel Quiñónez, Brayan Caicedo, Michael Carcelén, Gabriel Cortez, Sergio López (Argentine), Joao Paredes, Michael Hoyos (American-Argentine), Carlos Garcés, Gonzalo Mastriani (Uruguayan), and Jonathan Perlaza.
However, despite the number of reinforcements and a liability of $51,624,789 million - according to the external audit carried out by PKF Ecuador & Co., as of September 30, 2019 - and paying $74,390 to Damián Díaz as a monthly salary - also according to PKF data, until September 30, 2019 - Carlos Alfaro Moreno clarifies that Barcelona has the cheapest squad in the last two decades, as they seek to win back-to-back championships and go far in the Copa Libertadores.
Regarding León, the director informed that yesterday it was scheduled for him to undergo medical check-ups in Guayaquil and then move to Manta to join the canaries' preseason.
Upon his arrival, León, a player from Ríos who will turn 28 next April, said yesterday that he is "very happy to come, hoping that things go well with the team. There are a few details left (to close the employment agreement with the canaries) and nothing else to see if I concentrate with the team (in Manta). "I will talk later, now I am a bit tired."
In a conversation with Radio Redonda last Monday, Alfaro Moreno emphasized that winning the "financial championship" remains a primary objective for the board he presides over. He explained that the signings for this campaign were made with that goal in mind.
'Economic Reality'
"This year's squad does not exceed $9 million, it is the cheapest squad in the last 20 years. All the players have adapted to our economic reality, and I am very grateful to Barcelona on their behalf," declared the current champion's president.
The current Torera leadership has repeated that their accumulated deficit is $45 million, $6 million less than what was revealed by PKF.
The former forward, who won the national title with Barcelona in 1995 and 1997, referred to the team's presentation, which due to biosafety issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic, will be without the presence of fans at the canary stadium. "We have not yet finalized the rival (they will face) on the Yellow Night, nor the figure that will come. What is confirmed is the date: February 14. In the coming days, we will confirm other details," said Alfaro Moreno. (D)