Barca facing ‘much worse’ financial problems if Nike deal does not go through

Barcelona, or perhaps more precisely their President Joan Laporta, has been very strong in their assertion that they were in a position to make big signings this summer. Even La Liga President Javier Tebas assured that they were not that far off being within their salary limit, but with a week to go in the transfer market, they are once again facing serious issues to register players.

The main reason is the new Nike sponsorship deal that Barcelona have been negotiating for months. The Blaugrana have a contract until 2028 with the American brand, but have been in talks for a new 10-year deal with a €100m signing bonus and an improvement of terms. Part of the reason for their previous confidence is that they would be on the verge of the 1:1 spending ratio and it would solve most of their issues. In mid-July, it appeared the deal was all but done, hence the public assuredness.

However Relevo say that since, there has been no movement nor explanation for the delay. Talks have not moved on, despite at one point being reported as ‘imminent’. Without the deal though, the same source say Barcelona face ‘much worse’ financial issues than before, and while there are always mechanisms to get out of a hole in the short-term, they will be painful.

Barcelona and Laporta had reasoned that there is no way that Nike would be publicly seen as responsible for Barcelona coming into serious money issues, which appeared reasonable to them. Yet to Nike, it is clear that only one side is in a rush to close the deal, and hence the lack of movement.

If they do get it over the line, it would not allow them to make major signings, but would allow them to register Dani Olmo, and perhaps look at another cheaper deal, if there were sales too. Without it however, it remains unclear what the consequences are, but simply the words used are ‘sink’, ‘tough blow’ and ‘serious problems’.