I don't like to spend much time on rumors, but this one is different. Cesc, after all, is one of us--or was until his desire to play for Pep grew too strong to resist. Having sated that desire and with Pep gone, having won a league championship, but having struggled a bit with form and playing-time in a crowded midfield, we may just see the return of our one-time captain. I'm sure we all understand the financials, but let's review quickly: sold for £35m with the right of first refusal, a 50% take of a transfer to any other team, and a buy-back clause somewhere in the realm of £25m. If he does return, we'll have rented a player out at a profit of £10-15m. If he goes to, say Man U, for £50m (not an outlandish fee), we'd net £25m, which we could turn and and invest in other players (on top of what we're already planning to spend). I really don't see Barcelona agreeing to send Cesc somewhere else and splitting. Cesc either stays put or comes home. Going anywhere else essentially forces Barcelona to sell him on at half-price. There's no other option that makes sense for Barcelona to even consider.
