“This is the salary deferred during the pandemic, Barcelona Club has so far paid Messi, Alba, Suarez and Busquets regularly according to the agreed schedule, and is expected to pay the entire outstanding amount in 2025,” AS said.

“These payments, which have been provisioned from the 2020-2021 season and therefore will not affect Barcelona’s current budget, but they do have an impact on the Catalan club’s cash flow,” AS said.

On October 19, FC Barcelona will hold a general meeting of directors, during which they will present and vote on the end of the financial year. Current reports show that Barcelona has a net loss of 91 million euros, along with the proposed budget for the 2024-2025 season. The Catalan club is expected to make a profit of around 5 million euros next season, with a projected revenue of 893 million euros – 1 million euros less than last year’s total – and expenses of 873 million euros, according to AS .

“Barcelona’s revenue in the commercial sector of the budget has grown significantly, from 374 million euros to 446 million euros, an increase of 72 million euros. This is thanks to improved contracts with Nike, the sponsor of the competition kit, and other business revenues. Barcelona president Joan Laporta declared that the team is the best brand in global football, and is expected to renew its contract with Nike for another 10 years,” AS emphasized.

However, the Catalan club’s cash flow has been significantly affected, as they have to pay the outstanding salaries of famous players such as Messi, Alba, Suarez and Busquets, among others.

Barcelona’s revenue is expected to improve when they reopen their Spotify Nou Camp stadium after a new construction period, which will be inaugurated in 2026.

However, the stadium could generate an additional €28m in operating income in the short term, but will only operate at 60% capacity for part of the 2024-25 season. It is expected to generate around €154m in Barcelona’s 2024-25 financial year, compared to the €126m earned last year at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium, where Barcelona currently plays its temporary home games.

Despite the difficult financial situation, but progressing positively, Barcelona Club hopes to have more investors and sponsors, so that they still have enough funds to strengthen their squad in the winter transfer window in early 2025, as well as sign new contracts with striker Dani Olmo and midfielder Pau Victor.