Lately, FC Barcelona’s journey has been akin to a rollercoaster. The Spanish club tirelessly works to recover from both on-field and off-field challenges. But, it appears that adversity remains a constant companion, as a club executive shed light on the struggles to secure the contract renewal of their $52 million rated star. Additionally, as the La Liga giants navigate through legal havoc, they also dare to dream of securing the talents of Erling Haaland.
A few months ago, Barcelona faced the prospect of being suspended from the UEFA Champions League because of a referee controversy dated back to 2008. Likewise, the president expressed his opinions about the matter during the controversy.
FC Barcelona admits financial shortcomings could affect transfer calls including an Erling Haaland shock move
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Amid financial woes, FC Barcelona was forced to explore free transfers and affordable deals. They also rely on their world-class talent factory academy, La Masia. While this renowned youth academy has nurtured many of the club’s legendary players, it has also unearthed a new gem in the form of Lamine Yamal. The 16-year-old has made an impressive start to his debut campaign and quickly secured his place in Xavi’s starting XI.
Recently, the young star signed a new deal with the Catalans that will keep him at Nou Camp until 2026. However, even after this agreement, the club’s executive director, Victor Font, has discussed the challenges they may face in future contract extensions, while also acknowledging the hurdles they might encounter in their pursuit of signing Erling Haaland.
Font said, “Either we change the management model or tomorrow we will not be able to renew Lamine [referring to a future renewal]. Or we will not be able to compete for Haaland when he wants to play in the Spanish La Liga.” His words highlight the necessity for an adjustment in the club’s administrative model. Otherwise, that might further turn into a barrier that would restrict them from having flexibility in the transfer market.
Victor Font: "Either we change the management model or tomorrow we will not be able to renew Lamine [referring to a future renewal]. Or we will not be able to compete for Haaland when he wants to play in the Spanish La Liga." pic.twitter.com/OdNt74uZgA
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) October 19, 2023
Indeed, Font’s claim is quite eye-opening. Most certainly, the Haaland part came across as quite a pleasant surprise. Furthermore, the club is grappling with other concerns, as they are currently facing bribery charges.
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The bribery allegations on FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona is presently facing an investigation following reports suggesting that the club has been involved in paying off referees dating back to 2008. The club’s president, Joan Laporta, is facing allegations of having bribed officials during his previous tenures at the club. During a press conference, Laporta addressed the controversy. He insisted that after knowing the history of the referee and judge, he expected Barcelona to end up getting investigated.
“There is an orchestrated campaign to destabilize Barcelona. It is a fierce and unprecedented campaign that takes advantage of the Negreira case”, he concluded. It remains to be seen whether the court will rule in favor of Barcelona or find them guilty of the alleged misconduct. What’s your take on Barcelona’s financial mess? Let us know in the comments section.
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