Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona’s financial report has disclosed a transfer debt of €159
- Substantial amounts remain unpaid to several clubs for high-profile players
- Matchday revenue has sharply declined due to delays in reopening the Spotify Nou Camp, exacerbating the club’s economic difficulties
Transfer Debt Breakdown
Barcelona have unveiled a striking transfer debt of €159 million, according to their latest financial disclosures presented to The Members’ Assembly on Monday. Despite shareholder approval for their financial statements and upcoming budget, the immense debt figure has raised significant concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of the club.
🚨 Barcelona's overall debt for transfers amounts to €159m, of which €140m must be paid in the short term (this current season).
— @marca pic.twitter.com/1PmOTY5XXs
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) October 19, 2025
Mounting Payment Obligations
The club must settle €140m (£121m) of this debt before the conclusion of the current season, marking a substantial increase from the €45m (£39m) payment required in the previous term. Much of this obligation stems from unfinished instalments on several major transfers conducted in the summer of 2022, when Barcelona invested a total of €150m (£130m) on signings including Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Jules Kounde, but have so far repaid less than half of those fees across the subsequent three years.
Further compounding the issue, outstanding sums include €18m (£15.5m) due to RB Leipzig for Dani Olmo’s recent transfer, alongside €13.5m (£12m) owed to Manchester City for Ferran Torres. Notably, transfer-related liabilities are still affecting the club for players no longer at Barcelona, such as €17m (£15m) of the quota still owed to Athletico Paranaense for Vitor Roque, despite his 2024 sale to Palmeiras for €25m (£22m).
Stadium Delays and Diminished Revenue
Barcelona’s already fragile financial state has been worsened by delays to the ambitious renovation of their home ground, the Spotify Nou Camp. Anticipated to reopen for the start of the new campaign, persistent setbacks have compelled the team to play away from their traditional stadium, resulting in a significant drop in matchday earnings and intensifying the club’s fiscal crisis.
President Laporta Addresses the Club’s Status
At the close of the 2024-25 fiscal year, president Joan Laporta activated so-called ‘economic levers’ to compensate for a €17m (£15m) loss. Despite the sobering financial snapshot, Laporta has expressed optimism regarding the club’s trajectory:
‘We are much better off than we were four and a half years ago,’ Laporta said.
‘Some of the statements surprise me – everything can be improved. But today we are much better off than when we arrived.’
