Compared to the dire financial situation last year, FC Barcelona has ended the 2021-22 season in significantly better shape economically, although there is plenty of work ahead
The club is now preparing a number of proposals ahead of an extraordinary assembly, hopeful they will receive the backing of members.
Barcelona Urgently Needs Cash Injection To Fund Transfer Spending In 2022 As Financial Situation And Crisis Worsens
Proposed sale of important club assets
According to ESPN reports, Barcelona will seek approval from the club’s members for a cash injection of up to $750 million, which can then be put towards an overhaul of the first team squad. At an extraordinary general meeting scheduled for Thursday 16th June, the club will ask members to vote on two key proposals.
The first proposal is to sell a stake in the Barca Licensing & Merchandising (BLM) commercial arm of the club, which could potentially raise around €200 million. The second proposal is to sell 25% of any future income from television rights, which could raise another €500 million, depending on the terms and lengths of any potential deals.
Such an important influx of cash is urgently needed by Barcelona, who are currently working with a deficit of €144 million towards their spending cap. This is actually the only negative limit at any club in Spain’s LaLiga, underlining the pressing need to balance the books and improve cashflow options, before any additions can be made to the squad.
Key focus on squad improvement
Last summer the Barcelona was forced to part ways with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, although this time around, club president Joan Laporta is hopeful that any such “painful sales” can be avoided. His aim is inevitably to strengthen the squad managed by Xavi Hernández, rather than see it weakened, keen to see the team challenge for top honours again.
Deals in principle have already been agreed with two players, who would both arrive on free transfers following contract expiries at their previous clubs. Danish international defender Andreas Christensen has agreed terms on a move from Chelsea, while midfielder Franck Kessié will arrive at the Camp Nou from Italian champions AC Milan.
Robert Lewandowski tells SkyDe on his future: “The time will come to give information. Soon it will be possible to say more”, he said to @Plettigoal. 🚨🇵🇱 #FCBayern
Barcelona are still working on it with his agent Pini Zahavi, three year deal already agreed… waiting for Bayern. pic.twitter.com/46Gb6D5Aeo
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 29, 2022
Nevertheless, for the signing and registration of both players to be completed, under the financial fair play regulations established by LaLiga, the club must also show a positive salary cap balance. This would apply in the case of any other signings Barcelona plan to make, amidst widespread reports that Bayern Munich attacker Robert Lewandowski wants to join.
But no matter how keen Lewandowski may be to sign for the Spanish giants, the Daily Mail says that LaLiga president Javier Tebas has rained on Barcelona’s parade, suggesting they must sell stars to generate funds. “They know perfectly well our economic controls and their financial situation. The rules are there to avoid major economic problems,” he insisted, should Barcelona struggle to raise funds from selling other club assets.
Ambitions of restoring greatness
Barcelona ultimately finished the 2021-22 LaLiga campaign in second position, although they were 13 points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid, who ultimately lifted the title without any genuine competition for much of the season. Ahead of the 2022-23 season, the battle at the top between the “Big Two” in Spain is expected to be much closer.
Glancing at the early odds with international bookmakers, Real Madrid are tipped to retain the title at 2.25 odds, using the decimal format. Meanwhile, the lowest price available values Barcelona at 2.38 odds, amidst expectations of a two-horse race throughout the 2022-23 season in LaLiga. Atlético Madrid are tipped at lowest 4.50 priced odds, as the only other team regarded as being capable of mounting a serious title bid.
💙❤ 𝗖amp 𝗡ou pic.twitter.com/UVSl8qZfLa
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 28, 2022
What these odds highlight is the need to compare different betting sites, wherever you may be located around the world. For example, football fans in the Middle East may want to check out reviews provided by Arabian Betting, who provide a wealth of information for each country within the region. This includes a comprehensive look at the best betting sites in Qatar, based around bookmakers with the strongest records for trust and safety, alongside rating highly for the most competitive odds and offers.
The Barcelona hierarchy will be hoping for a positive outcome, when club members are tasked with voting on the proposals that have been submitted. Although they would typically frown upon the selling of club assets, the desire for their team to be competitive will be paramount in their minds, indicating they will ratify the planned measures to improve finances.
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