Barcelona Faces €159m Transfer Debt Amid €17m Loss in 2024-25 Season

Barcelona's financial situation remains precarious, with the club revealing a staggering €159 million (£138m) in unpaid transfer debts, a significant portion of which must be settled this season. Much of this debt originates from the 2022 summer transfer window, when Barcelona spent over €150 million on Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Jules Kounde but have paid less than half of those fees three years later. The club also faces payments for players no longer at Barcelona, including €17 million owed to Athletico Paranaense for Vitor Roque despite his sale to Palmeiras. Despite generating nearly €1 billion in revenue during the 2024-25 season, Barcelona posted a €17 million net loss, which club president Joan Laporta attributed to additional charges and the delayed reopening of the Spotify Camp Nou stadium impacting matchday income. Laporta expressed cautious optimism about the club's progress, highlighting record sponsorship revenues and debt reduction efforts, but the financial challenges underscore the need for continued fiscal management and strategic planning. The ongoing financial strain raises concerns about the club's long-term sustainability amid significant short-term payment obligations.