Barcelona have reportedly spent $168.3 million in the transfer market, making the La Liga side the highest spender in Europe.
The Catalans have already made three major transfers, signing Jules Kounde, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski.
Now, Barcelona president Joan Laporta and coach Xavi Hernandez have both expressed an interest in bringing back Argentine magician Lionel Messi, who’s currently at Paris Saint-Germain.
The Spanish club is reported to be $1.5 billion in debt, raising the question of how they can spend so much and pursue all the players. The club’s spending is also capped at €-144 million. However, the negative number means that Barcelona isn’t allowed to spend. By leveraging their LaLiga TV rights and by obtaining a loan against future earnings, Barcelona has gained some monetary relief.
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“They have sold 10% of their TV rights for €207 million. Then they increased that share to 25% which I think gives them some €350 million more. That would be €500 million and I think they have another third lever worth around €200 million”, La Liga president Javier Tebas said in June, as per SPORT.
The club has also signed a deal with Spotify, which increases revenues in each game.
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Another option up Laporta’s sleeve is to offload players who weigh on club finances. Ousmane Dembele’s future was uncertain, but the Frenchman is now set to remain. All eyes naturally go to Frenkie de Jong, the Dutch midfielder, who’s complained about Barcelona not giving him his dues. The player’s been asked to pay cut as well, which Laporta insists is being done by everyone on the team.
Barcelona have been in talks with Manchester United to complete a deal where the former Ajax player goes to the Premier League side, as is United’s new coach – Erik ten Hag’s wish.
However, de Jong has expressed an interest in remaining with the Catalans, though the pay cut might force a change of mind.
