The Broke Show, Avinguda Aristides Maillol, s/n, Barcelona (2026)

21/07/2022

𝕳𝖔𝖜 𝖉𝖔𝖊𝖘 𝕭𝖆𝖗ç𝖆 𝖍𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖒𝖔𝖓𝖊𝖞?

Even Before Julian Nagelsmann commented, questions were raised on 'Where did the Catalans get this much money?'. Well, it wasn't a single thing which propelled Barça, but rather several intelligent decisions came together.

In 2020, Josep Matia Bartomeu left Barça in a state of massive debt. The main reason for this being impulsive player decisions. Players like Coutinho, Dembele and Griezmann were bought for unreasonable amounts, when the club could have brought other stars at a much better price. The fact that they were offered ridiculous contracts also plays it's part.

Joan Laporta took over the club from the crisis, but soon after club legend, Leo Messi left. Los Cules were heartbroken. Laporta continued to work under criticism and brought Mateu Alemany and Xavi in the project.

Barcelona's board realised that they have to set the things in order, or the debt would pile up. They wanted a good sporting project in a limited economical access. Xavi was the man.

Xavi used the club's youth reserves to get by for the two months, but stressed that quality is on decline and he needs fresh faces.

Soon after, Mateu Alemany pulled out a blinder by recruiting Ferran Torres. Torres was making a name as a talented individual in Man City. His switch to Barcelona helped Barça assert the fact that they had the attraction left.

With Pedri at the centre of his game, Xavi built the team, to play the Barça way. Fans loved this and came rushing in, increasing stadium revenues.

To bring the firepower, Barça had to cut the costs and make money. Laporta convinced the board to vote to sell 49.9% of BLM, their official Licensing and Merchandise. This brought in €300 millions. Barça are also planning to sell 25% of their TV rights for next 25 years, which can raise nearly €700 millions.

The new Spotify deal brought in a happy wave. Barca had a multi-million deal in place. Alemany also played out in renewals forcing players to accept to the reasonable contracts. They also weeded out the players who weren't needed. Thus, Laporta, Alemany and Xavi got the club out of a really bad mess.