In August 2022, FC Barcelona seemed to have emerged from the depths of financial turmoil, symbolised by the signing of Robert Lewandowski and the ambitious economic ‘levers’ pulled by club president Joan Laporta.
However, 18 months later, the reigning La Liga champions find themselves in a precarious situation, facing financial constraints and uncertain prospects.
Laporta’s unconventional approach involved selling stakes in the club’s assets to raise immediate funds. U.S. private equity firm Sixth Street played a crucial role by injecting significant capital into Barca’s coffers.
The sale of portions of Barca Studios to Orpheus Media and Socios.com further bolstered the club’s financial position. This financial engineering allowed Laporta to assemble a competitive squad capable of clinching the La Liga title.
Xavi’s tactical innovations, including a box midfield and defensive restructuring, contributed to Barca’s title-winning campaign in 2022-23. Despite criticisms about the sustainability of their on-field approach, the team showcased defensive resilience and timely contributions from star signing Robert Lewandowski.
However, cracks began to surface both on and off the pitch. La Liga President Javier Tebas scrutinised Barca’s financial manoeuvres and imposed restrictions on further leveraging assets in 2023. The failed attempt to re-sign Lionel Messi highlighted the strained relationship between Laporta and Tebas. As financial irregularities came under scrutiny, doubts arose about the long-term viability of Barca’s strategy.
Investors in Barca Studios failed to fulfil their payment promises, leaving the club short of expected revenues. Tebas’s refusal to accept theoretical payments from investors further strained Barca’s financial flexibility. With no immediate signs of an increased spending cap, the club faces challenges in maintaining a competitive squad for the upcoming seasons.
Barca’s ageing squad, coupled with disappointing on-field performances, raises questions about the sustainability of their short-term triumph.
Potential departures of key players, such as Sergi Roberto and Raphinha, could further impact the squad’s quality. The uncertain future of key assets like Ronald Araujo adds to the growing list of concerns.
With the results of the downturn and financial constraints tightening, the immediate future looks challenging for FC Barcelona.
The sacrifices made to secure immediate success may have jeopardised the club’s financial health and competitiveness in the coming years. As the club continues to underperform, football pundits don’t see Xavi’s future in the club, nor any hope of progress for the club soon.
