Each and every transfer window brings a saga which you can’t simply take your eyes off. This normally involves an unhappy player looking to force a move from a club which is unwilling to let him go. However, this time it seems like a whole club has taken the limelight, with a supposed cash-strapped Barcelona throwing money around left right and centre and it has left the footballing world all asking the same question. HOW ARE THEY DOING IT?
Barcelona’s money worries have been football’s worst-kept secret, from the outside looking in it has been clear to see that things have been spiralling out of control for some time now. This has been highlighted none more so than by La Liga preventing one of the sport’s most famous faces, Lionel Messi from signing a new contract – something that sent shockwaves through Catalonia and beyond. These financial complications have now been brought to the forefront again after it has been revealed that they actually owe midfielder Frenkie De Jong somewhere in the region of €17,000,000. It seems that the Dutch midfielder is unwilling to leave until this fee has been resolved, and why should he?
Believe it or not, despite all the above and more, the club have still been one of the most active this window. They’ve welcomed both Franck Kessiẻ and Andres Christensen on a free transfer (substantial wages still to be paid) followed by forking out almost €50,000,000 for former Leeds star man, Raphinha. Oh yeah, if that wasn’t enough, they’ve also now secured Robert Lewandowski’s signature for around €45,000,000, and we can only imagine what his salary will be!
This has now got the whole of football talking, with even sports experts and financial advisors struggling to explain where this money is coming from. Some have even said that if Barcelona continues at this rate, then future liquidation could really be a possibility. Could you imagine that, a world without FC Barcelona? We can’t!
Not only are they clearly spending beyond their means, there is also financial fair play to think about. I’m no La Liga expert but I’m fully aware that every club has a duty to remain profitable and go about their business in an ethical manner. Believe me, I’m a Birmingham City fan and we’ve been stung many times for doing a fraction of what Barcelona is currently up to.
Look, in short, I don’t have the answers, I’m not sure anyone does. But, if you are reading this blog and you can shed some light on what Barcelona is up to, and how they’re doing it then please call the Nifty office on 01905 27126 and ask for Sam, because I’ll be all ears.
Until then, I’m going to keep an eye on the transfer market and on the Catalonians in particular, because it’s going to be interesting to say the least.
