Barcelona has a billion debts, but it can afford Robert Lewandowski. How does it do?

After a season without a title, FC Barcelona goes on the transfer offensive: Robert Lewandowski (for 50 million euros from Bayern Munich), Raphinha (58 million, Leeds United), Franck Kessie (free transfer, Milan) and Andreas Christensen (free) move to Camp Nou. transfer, Chelsea). In addition, center-back Jules Kounde is also on the wish list. Sevilla FC is said to be demanding between 50 and 60 million euros for him.

How can an ailing club like Barcelona afford such deals? After all, the Catalans have accumulated a mountain of debt of 1.35 billion euros over the years, and in March they exceeded the wage limit prescribed by the league by 144 million. Simply put, the Barca trick is simple: cut down on expenses and increase your income.

The former takes place mainly through players’ salaries. In Lionel Messi’s time, the highest salaries were one of the biggest engines of debt. Now such contracts are no longer handed out. For example, Lewandowski is to earn EUR 9 million net, which is even less than in Munich (EUR 12 million net). Moreover, one of the most recently earning Frenkie de Jong players is up for sale.

And on the revenue side, CEO Joan Laporta also reached for new sources: Spotify streaming service will become the first title sponsor of Camp Nou for reportedly EUR 70 million a year. In addition, 10% of the shares were sold. television rights and 49 percent. marketing rights. In total, from 500 to 600 million euros are to be transferred to the club’s budget.

At first glance, the financial restructuring seems to be working. How long it lasts remains to be seen. Another mega-project, which will cost 1.5 billion euros, will start this summer with the reconstruction of the stadium and club grounds. In the 2023/24 season, Barca will even have to move to the smaller Olympic Stadium, which will mean a decrease in ticket sales. Only from 2025 will it be possible to play at full capacity at the renewed Camp Nou.