Barcelona’s €159m transfer debt revealed: Unpaid fees on key signings deepen financial woes

FC Barcelona’s financial crisis shows no sign of easing with the club revealing staggering €159 million in outstanding transfer related debt in its latest accounts submitted to the shareholders' assembly.

The figure which includes unpaid instalments for current and former players underscores the scale of the financial challenges still facing the Catalan giants.

According to Marca of that total €140 million must be paid this season , a massive rise from the €45 million due under the same category last year.

Big money deals

Much of the debt stems from Barcelona’s expensive recruitment drive in summer 2022 when they spent over €150 million to sign Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde. Yet, more than half of that amount remains unpaid 3 year later.

• Raphinha: €42 million still owed
• Jules Kounde: €25 million still owed
• Robert Lewandowski: €10 million still owed

The club must also pay €18 million to RB Leipzig this year for Dani Olmo signed in 2024.

Departed players still costing money

Even players no longer at the club are contributing to the financial strain. Barcelona still owe €17 million to Athletico Paranaense for Vitor Roque despite selling the Brazilian forward to Palmeiras in 2024 for €25 million (while retaining sell on percentage).

This "buy now, pay later" strategy has caught up to them leaving Barca scrambling to meet massive short term payments just to stay afloat.

Khaled Hegazy |

Editorar, en

Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

Related teams and leagues

Barcelona