Tifo Football is exploring how a team with billions of dollars in debt can afford some of Europe’s biggest names.
In a new video, Tifo says Barcelona can’t register stars like Raphinha, Lewandowski, Kessie, Christensen, and Kounde until they get themselves out of debt.
Tifo Football says Barcelona President Laporta plans to pull hefty financial ‘palancas’ (levers) to balance the club’s expenditures with its squad cost limit. Even though Barcelona signed an intergalactic super team over the summer, they still aren’t registered to play in La Liga until Barcelona increases its revenue to get their squad cost limit back in the green, thought they can play in American friendlies all they want. It’s worth a watch if you’re interested in La Blaugrana or how La Liga works.
Tifo points out three levers that Laporta either has pulled or plans to pull to increase the club’s revenue. The first two levers involve TV revenue, while the third lever includes selling off nearly 50% of a vague merchandising company. According to ESPN reporter Samuel Marsden, the third palanca has just been pulled in the form of a crypto deal.
Laporta says Barça have agreement with https://t.co/ulXmOedUB0 to sell 25% of Barça Studios for €100m, would be third palanca pulled if finalised
— Samuel Marsden (@samuelmarsden) August 1, 2022
ESPN reports have confirmed that the $100 million deal will give Barca the revenue needed to register all of the big names from the summer’s transfer window. Barcelona’s deal is one of many in the growing trend of fan tokens, most of which are being built on Socios.com.
Even though the Xavi has the money he needs, Barcelona still may be interested in offloading USMNT defender Sergino Dest. The Catalan giants are reportedly pursuing Spanish defender Cezar Azpilecueta from Chelsea, much to manager Thomas Tuchel’s annoyance.
There have also been reports of Barcelona forcing stars such as Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay to find new clubs, though Laporta has publicly denied the de Jong claims.
Barcelona’s resurgent offseason continues both off and on the field: The Xavi Ball Boys defeated Real Madrid in a Las Vegas El Clasico and smashed MLS team (and possible Messi suitor) Miami FC on their American tour, among other feats. Ousman Dembele, possibly feeling the heat from the Raphinha signing, has been in sensational form in the pre-season, as has the entire squad.
But you know what they say – pre-season ain’t shit.
//
Featured Image: Pexels/Jonathan Petersson/FCBarcelona/DM