Barcelona Debt Crisis: Bayern Chief Calls Situation ‘Absurd’

Barcelona Debt Crisis Reaches New Heights

Barcelona debt has become the talk of European football, with Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness branding the situation “absurd and incomprehensible.” Speaking on a recent podcast, Hoeness questioned how Barcelona, who are saddled with a colossal €1.45 billion debt, are still permitted to compete in La Liga. He contrasted Barcelona’s financial woes with Bayern’s sustainable management, labeling the Catalan club’s approach as a model to avoid.

Inside Barcelona’s Mounting Financial Troubles

The Barcelona debt story traces back to years of financial mismanagement, particularly under former president Josep Maria Bartomeu. After Neymar’s €222 million move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, instead of stabilizing, Barcelona embarked on a spending spree, investing €960.3 million in transfers over just three years. The club’s net spend hit €399 million during this period, while football-related costs, including player wages and amortization, soared from €367.4 million to €593.9 million—consuming about 81% of club revenue in the 2017-18 season.

A significant factor compounding Barcelona debt was Lionel Messi’s record-breaking contract, reportedly costing up to €555.2 million over four years. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, matchday income plummeted from €174.9 million to just €23.7 million, forcing the club to defer €389 million in player salaries. By the end of 2020-21, Barcelona posted a record loss of €555.4 million.

Desperate Measures: Financial Levers and Asset Sales

In response to the growing Barcelona debt, president Joan Laporta activated a range of financial levers. These included selling 25% of La Liga TV rights for €667.5 million, and offloading 49% of Barca Studios for €200 million. However, only €20 million from the latter has materialized to date. The ongoing €1.5 billion Espai Barca redevelopment project has also ballooned, far exceeding its initial €600 million budget, with €975 million already spent and more required.

To plug immediate deficits, Barcelona recognized €71.6 million from the sale of VIP seats at Camp Nou. Heavy borrowing followed, including €595 million from Goldman Sachs with €30 million annual repayments and a €265.7 million lump sum due in 2031-32. All told, the club is the most indebted in world football.

Bayern Munich Takes Aim at Barcelona Debt Strategy

Speaking plainly, Uli Hoeness said, “In any other country, Barcelona wouldn’t be in the first division with this debt. It’s a miracle they are allowed to play at this level.” He credited Bayern Munich’s strict adherence to financial discipline and German licensing regulations as the reason for their ongoing success, and suggested that Barcelona’s finances would not withstand similar scrutiny.

Hoeness continued, “The way we operate at Bayern, with responsible management and transparency, should be the gold standard for European football. Barcelona’s situation should be a warning for all.”

Outstanding Debts to Clubs Across Europe

Adding to the Barcelona debt headache, the club’s 2024-25 financial report revealed it still owes €159.1 million to other clubs. Leeds United is due €41.9 million for Raphinha, Bayern Munich is still waiting on €20 million for Robert Lewandowski, and Sevilla are owed €24.5 million for Jules Kounde. Smaller sums are owed to Manchester City, Real Betis, Girona, Valencia, Sporting CP, and Rennes, underscoring the widespread impact of Barcelona’s debt across European football.

Espai Barca Project and Stadium Move Compound Financial Strain

The ambitious Espai Barca project, meant to modernize Barcelona’s infrastructure, has instead added further strain. The temporary move to Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys has reduced revenue streams, making it harder for Barcelona to recover financially. With €907.7 million in stadium-related borrowing, repayment obligations loom large.

Barcelona’s On-Field Revival Amid Debt Turmoil

Despite the Barcelona debt saga, the team’s on-field prospects have shown promise under coach Hansi Flick. The Catalans have trimmed Real Madrid’s lead in La Liga to just one point and continue to show resilience despite injuries to key players like Pedri and Gavi. The upcoming Champions League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge is another opportunity to refocus attention on football performance, even as financial anxieties persist.

Opinion: A Cautionary Tale for Elite Clubs

Barcelona debt is a stark reminder of the pitfalls of unsustainable growth in modern football. While the on-pitch revival is encouraging, the club’s financial decisions still cast a long shadow. Hoeness’s criticism is a wake-up call not just for Barcelona but for all top-flight clubs. Sustainable practices and transparent management—as demonstrated by Bayern Munich—remain the gold standard. For Barcelona, the road to financial recovery will be long, and the football world will be watching closely to see if lessons have been truly learned.

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