As the summer transfer window opens, FC Barcelona finds itself in a familiar yet troubling position. The club’s financial labyrinth remains unresolved, casting a shadow over potential new signings and sponsorship deals.
July 1 marks the beginning of the transfer season, and once again, Barcelona is navigating these waters without resolving its economic issues. The club has yet to return to the 1:1 rule, a financial regulation that would allow it to operate normally in the transfer market. The recent board meeting was expected to unveil new investors to fill the void left by Libero’s departure. However, no announcements were made.
Despite assurances of calm from the club, the financial inflows remain stagnant. As of June 30, Barcelona has not balanced its financial books because the promised €60 million from Barça Vision has not materialized. This financial gap hampers the club’s ability to maneuver in the market. The entry of a new investor would negate the need for drastic measures like triggering new financial levers, making significant player sales, or finalizing the elusive new deal with Nike, which also remains unannounced.
The urgency of securing these €60 million cannot be overstated. Meeting this target would enable Barcelona to adhere to its budget, avoiding severe repercussions for the board members who have personally guaranteed the club’s finances. Currently, Barcelona is in the same predicament as two years ago—unable to sign or register new players. A new investor would allow the club to allocate revenue from player sales to the 2024/25 financial year, providing much-needed flexibility.
Several player sales are already in the pipeline, including Chadi Riad to Crystal Palace via Betis, Marc Guiu to Chelsea, and Mika Faye to Porto. However, without the €60 million, these sales alone won’t suffice. The club could start the season with a positive balance if the funds are secured. Joan Laporta, in a recent interview, emphasized that a major sale wouldn’t be necessary and hinted that the Nike deal was “close.” Yet, the absence of concrete announcements fuels uncertainty.
Returning to Camp Nou next season is another point of focus, though the timeline remains unclear. The temporary move to Montjuïc has already cost the club around €100 million in lost revenue. Without filling the gap left by Libero, discussing new signings is unrealistic. The previous summers have shown the consequences of financial instability, such as the delayed registration of Jules Koundé until the third matchday and the promises made to Gündogan and Iñigo Martínez regarding their full salaries if not registered.
Without resolving the financial void, FC Barcelona’s transfer ambitions remain a distant dream. The clock is ticking, and the club must address these financial uncertainties to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Source: Relevo
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