Barcelona’s financial crisis has become one of the most shocking stories in modern football. What began as mismanagement during Josep Maria Bartomeu’s presidency grew into a massive €1.45 billion debt that the club is still struggling to control. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Insight.
Reckless spending, poor financial planning, and an unrealistic approach to transfers pushed the club into one of the worst economic collapses ever seen in the sport. The problems accelerated after Neymar’s world-record sale in 2017.
Instead of stabilising, Barcelona spent nearly €1 billion on transfers in just three years, while wages soared to unsustainable levels. The arrival of Covid-19 then slashed matchday revenue and forced the club into delaying salary payments, adding even more strain to an already collapsing structure.
By 2021, Barcelona were reporting record losses and leaning heavily on “financial levers” just to stay afloat. From selling 25% of their TV rights to offloading nearly half of Barca Studios, the club has been using short-term solutions to solve long-term problems. Each decision has kept the lights on at the cost of future stability.
Hoeness Calls It a ‘Miracle’ Barcelona Still Play in La Liga
Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness has been one of the harshest critics of Barcelona’s financial behaviour. For him, their approach is the opposite of responsible club management. Hoeness pointed to Bayern’s model of strict budgeting and sustainable spending as a direct contrast.
His comments reflect a broader concern across Europe about the lack of consequences for Barca’s financial errors. To him, the fact that Barcelona continue to compete at the highest level despite owing huge sums and operating with major losses is nothing short of a miracle. His words underline just how extraordinary the club’s economic survival has been.
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Massive Unpaid Transfers Add to the Turmoil
Barcelona’s latest financial report shows they still owe €159.1m to several clubs for past transfers. Leeds United top the list, awaiting nearly €42m for Raphinha signed more than two years ago. Bayern Munich are still due €20m for Robert Lewandowski, while Sevilla must be paid €24.5m for Jules Kounde, highlighting how Barca’s spending spree continues to haunt them.
The debts don’t stop there. Manchester City await €13.3m for Ferran Torres, and Real Betis are owed €8m for Emerson Royal. These long-standing payments show how deeply the club relied on instalments and delayed fees, a risky strategy that has caught up with them during their financial crisis.
On the Pitch, Barcelona Start to Rise Again
Despite their off-field issues, Barcelona have shown signs of revival under Hansi Flick. Even with key injuries to Pedri, Gavi, and others, the team has tightened the gap in La Liga, cutting Real Madrid’s lead from five points to just one. The squad looks more organised, more determined, and far more competitive than they were last season.
Recent setbacks including defeats to PSG, Sevilla, and Real Madrid have not completely overshadowed the progress made. Young players are stepping up, experienced stars are settling into Flick’s system, and the team looks balanced despite the noise surrounding the club. Barcelona’s fight on the pitch contrasts sharply with their battles off it.
Their next challenge against Chelsea will test their momentum, but one thing is clear: while the finances remain chaotic, the football is finally moving in the right direction again. Follow footballcoasters.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest story.