Kwasi Ayisi
Barcelona’s debt has been an underlying factor in the club’s business and football operations for the past five years. The team has faced challenges due to the economic impact of Covid, and even before that, it invested hundreds of millions into players like Coutinho, Dembele, Miralem Pjanic, and Antoine Griezmann, aiming for success.
Since then, there has been a change in presidents. Joan Laporta returned to the helm with the intention to “fix” the economic problems. However, it seems that despite having the greatest footballer of all time, it hasn’t been entirely feasible.
Barcelona debt explained
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According to a press conference held by VP of Economics Eduard Romeu, the club’s debt remains the same as it was before Laporta resumed control—standing at a staggering €1.35 billion. Despite implementing measures to address this issue going forward, it still presents a concerning financial situation.
Oh, and did you hear we’re getting a new stadium?
Romeo explained that Barca have not been able to reduce their structural debt, which means that Barca are still €1.35 billion euros ($1.48 billion) in the red without including the €1.5 billion ($1.64 billion) borrowed for the Espai Barca project involving the renovation of Camp Nou.
Romeo said that expected outgoings on salaries for the next financial year are €528 million ($578.2 million), which is down from €708 million ($775.4 million) when the board of current president Joan Laporta took over in spring 2021.
Of this €528 million, €51 million ($55.9 million) corresponds to players such as Clement Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti, Sergino Dest, Alex Collado and Gustavo Maia currently out on loan but set to return im the coming days.
Romeo also added that Laporta and Co. inherited €389 million ($426 million) in deferred salaries of which €70 million ($76.6 million) still has to be paid.
