That FC Barcelona is not swimming in the money at the moment – that has become clear in recent months. The figures that the annual financial report now brings to light paint such a bleak picture that it raises existential questions.
Accordingly, the total debt of the Catalans amounts to an incredible 1.173 billion euros. 730 million must therefore be paid off at short notice. Barca are “on the verge of bankruptcy” writes The world.
The corona pandemic naturally plays an important role in the debt, but other aspects are also responsible for the frightening situation. These include the high transfer expenses in recent years and the enormous salaries. Barca have to spend 74 percent of their revenue on players, coaches and staff.
This percentage could even pose another problem: According to La Liga regulations, this percentage can only be 70 percent – Barca face a fine. The club is just missing that when you look at the payments that are due soon.
FC Barcelona also owes FC Bayern money
In addition, there are legacy issues in a pronounced form: Barca owe almost 200 million euros to other clubs because of transfers that have long been carried out – the model of payment in installments could now be the club’s undoing. Mainly because 126 million of the amount is now due in the short term.
In first place of the clubs is Liverpool FC, to which the Catalans still owe 40 million euros – due to the acquisition of Philippe Coutinho. The transfer was realized three years ago, the Brazilian was meanwhile loaned to FC Bayern.
More club debt: Barcelona still have a ton of money to send to Ajax Amsterdam for Frenkie de Jong. The next installment is 16 million euros, after which further installments are due.
In addition, there are ten million euros for the transfer of Malcom, which is going to Bordeaux. Barca still have to pay 20 million euros to Brazilian club Gremio for Arthur, who, like his Brazilian compatriot Malcom, no longer plays in Barcelona. The Catalans also owe FC Bayern money: just over eleven million euros – for the services of Arturo Vidal. The Chilean now plays for Inter Milan.
Barca want to avoid bankruptcy through exemption
An even bigger problem is early repayments to banks. By June 30, 266 million euros must be paid to various financial institutions – 90 million of which to Goldman Sachs.
The club and Barca Licensing & Merchandising have guaranteed the loans. However, it is very doubtful why Barca got any loans at all, as the club actually had no guarantees.
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In summary: Barca will have to pay back a lot of money soon – but they have hardly any income. This begs the question, what is the plan of those responsible?
According to Football Espana the club wants to play for a while first. Accordingly, Barcelona is said to have asked the banks Allianz, Barings, Amundi, Prudential and Goldman Sachs for an exemption in order to delay the repayment of the debt.
This could prevent FC Barcelona from going bankrupt soon – but that’s not a long-term solution.
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