Barcelona’s Unresolved Transfer Payments Spark New Financial Troubles

‎Barcelona’s financial troubles appear far from over.

‎Despite a recent revival on the pitch, the Catalan giants are once again staring at the prospect of another economic storm in 2026, with reports revealing rising debts and unresolved transfer payments stretching across multiple seasons.

‎A Club Still Trapped in Uncertainty

‎The La Liga champions have spent much of the past few years entangled in financial constraints that have forced them into creative accounting and tough decision-making. The 2025/26 season started no differently registration problems dominated the summer, restricting the club’s ability to register new signings and renew player contracts.

‎In a particularly unorthodox move, the injury to club captain Marc-André ter Stegen provided temporary relief, as Barcelona used the freed-up salary space to register goalkeeper Joan Garcia, a summer signing who had been waiting for clearance to play.

‎Even so, a series of late sales and loan exits were needed to complete contract extensions and final paperwork including the loan deal for Marcus Rashford, who joined from Manchester United in August.

‎Rashford’s Future in Doubt as Transfer Clause Looms

‎Head coach Hansi Flick is reportedly eager to keep Rashford beyond the end of the current season, but the financial challenge remains steep.

‎According to reports, Manchester United will demand around £30 million ($40 million) to activate the purchase option in Rashford’s loan agreement.

‎For Barcelona, that price tag represents yet another test of financial creativity. Any move for Rashford would require careful budget juggling, and the club must first settle outstanding debts before committing to new expenditures.

‎Outstanding Transfer Debts Surface

‎A report from talkSPORT claims that Barcelona still owes multiple clubs significant amounts in deferred transfer payments from previous years a problem that continues to shadow the club’s financial operations.

‎The club has reportedly informed its members of a £138 million ($184 million) transfer excess that must be resolved by the end of the 2025/26 season. To avoid breaching budget regulations, at least £121 million ($161 million) must be paid off as a minimum requirement.

‎While a new budget has been approved, it comes with a crucial stipulation the old debts must be cleared to stabilize the club’s long-term finances.

‎The Legacy of the 2022 Spending Spree

‎Barcelona’s ongoing financial woes trace back to their ambitious 2022 summer transfer window.

‎That year, the club spent around £130 million ($173 million) on new signings despite being in a fragile economic position. To date, less than half of that amount has actually been paid.

‎Among the outstanding balances, £22 million ($30 million) is still owed to Sevilla for defender Jules Koundé. £8.5 million ($11 million) remains due to Bayern Munich for Robert Lewandowski.

‎The largest debts are owed to Leeds United and Manchester City, connected to the Raphinha and Ferran Torres deals, respectively, with interest pushing that combined figure past £50 million ($67 million).

‎Barcelona is expected to continue its policy of paying off portions of each historic transfer deal as it works towards reaching the desired total.