At the next FC Barcelona Assembly, the Catalan club will present its financial accounts and, among the most notable data, is a significant debt related to transfers, which amounts to more than 207 million euros. This amount is divided between short- and long-term debts, with the majority of acquisitions being made during the summer of 2022 and signed with deferred payments.
One of the most notable debts is that related to Raphinha, whose transfer from Leeds United was estimated at 24 million euros in the short term, with another 38 million euros pending in the future. These debts are a high priority, as any default could lead to clubs suing Barcelona, which could have a negative impact on their ability to participate in the transfer market.
As reported by the newspaper Sport, the most substantial investments focused on players signed in 2022, generating a short-term debt of 89 million euros that must be paid during this season. In addition, there is a long-term debt of 118 million euros. This adds up to a total of 207 million euros in transfer-related debt.
Deferred payments were negotiated to avoid destroying the club’s coffers
Barcelona also has outstanding financial obligations to other players. For example, for striker Robert Lewandowski, €10 million must be paid in the current financial year, with another €21 million scheduled for long-term payments. Likewise, the signing of Ferrán Torres in January 2022 implies payment of 13 million euros this year and 26 million euros in future installments.
Another considerable deferred payment corresponds to Jules Koundé, former Sevilla player. Barcelona will have to pay 11 million euros in the current season, with another 24 million euros planned for the future. These numbers show that the majority of the investments made in 2022 to strengthen the team were made with deferred payments, thus avoiding an immediate collapse of the club’s finances.
It is important to highlight that Barcelona claims to have the budgeted resources to comply with these payments without delays. Curiously, there is still an outstanding debt with Ajax for the signing of Frenkie de Jong in 2019, amounting to 16 million euros, which must be paid in the current year.
