FC Barcelona is targeting a return to LaLiga's 1:1 financial fair play rule at the beginning of August 2025 after an audit by Crowe. The Catalans hope that once the audit is approved, LaLiga will allow them to register new signing Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny. A return to the 1:1 rule would also allow a smooth way for signing a new left winger. The goal is to have all paperwork and approvals in place before the 2025/26 league opener against Mallorca on 16 August.
VIP Seat Deal Crucial for Barca's Budget Approval
A critical piece of Barcelona's budget puzzle is the inclusion of €100 million in revenue tied to the transfer of 475 VIP seats at the renovated Spotify Camp Nou. The amount is split between Fortia Advisor Limited (€30m), a Qatari-owned firm, and New Era Visionary Group (€70m), based in the UAE. Fotari has already paid its full share, while New Era paid (€28m) in December 2023, with the remaining €48m scheduled in September 2025 and early 2026. Despite the staggered payment schedule, Crowe is not requiring the money to be advanced, and LaLiga will accept the audit if it confirms the commitment to payment. Barca has a strong relationship with New Era, and in partnership with Orange, New Era is the official Telecom operator of the club until June 2030.
Big Sale Needed: Ter Stegen's Future Still Uncertain
Another part of Barca's equation to return to the 1:1 rule this summer requires a significant departure, ideally this July. Among the notable names on the table is the potential departure of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Despite being the first-team captain, the German goalkeeper is now deemed unwanted, following the arrival of Joan Garcia and the retention of Szczesny. Ter Stegen's contract, which extends to 2028, includes deferred salaries, which complicates an immediate transfer but also makes his scale financially impactful. On his return to pre-season duties, the German goalkeeper met with head coach Hansi Flick at the Ciutat Esportiva de Sant Joan Despí. During this meeting, Flick reportedly informed Ter Stegen that he is not part of his plans for next season. Later on Friday, Flick held another meeting, this time with club president Joan Laporta and agent Pini Zahavi at the Majestic Hotel in Barcelona. The trio met for an hour and a half, reportedly to discuss major squad decisions.
🚨 EXCLUSIVA @elchiringuitotv 🚨
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) July 11, 2025
👉 Cumbre de hora y media en el centro de Barcelona entre Hansi Flick, Laporta y Pini Zahavi.
🗣️ Se ha hablado de la planificación de la temporada con el nombre de Rashford sobre la mesa, cuyo intermediario es Zahavi.
📹 @10JoseAlvarez pic.twitter.com/R8whv04p60
Missed Opportunity to sign Nico Williams
FC Barcelona were close to signing key target Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, but the deal broke down due to a lack of assurance to register the player. Barca was ready to pay Nico's release clause of €58m upfront to get his signature, but the player wanted an exit clause inserted into his contract if they failed to register him by 20 August, and the club refused. With key personal terms already verbally agreed, the deal was sunk when the 22-year-old’s representatives made the request, and Barcelona’s sporting director Deco said the club would not sanction it, despite having done so with other signings in the recent past, including Dani Olmo.
Barca have often struggled to register new signings in time for the season start in recent years, with Olmo's only secured thanks to a court ruling in April. The Catalans received shocking news after Nico Williams decided to sign a new 10 year contract with Athletic with an increased release clause.
