Barcelona expect financial restrictions to return in 2027; accelerating transfer plans – report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are planning their transfer strategy with one eye firmly on the future. While the club has recently regained the ability to operate under La Liga’s 1:1 Fair Play rule, executives are aware that the situation is likely to be temporary, reports MARCA.

That expectation is one of the main reasons why Barcelona recently secured an advance of €210 million, giving the club greater flexibility to strengthen the squad over the next two transfer windows.

Why Barcelona requested the advance

The advance comes against the backdrop of ongoing cash flow challenges caused by delays to the redevelopment of Spotify Camp Nou.

Because the stadium has not generated the expected revenues on schedule, Barça sought early access to future television income in order to improve their short-term financial position and maintain their activity in the transfer market.

However, the funding is not only designed to solve immediate liquidity issues. It also reflects the club’s belief that next summer could bring fresh financial limitations.

A temporary return to the 1:1 rule

Barcelona are back to the 1:1 rule, but it could be temporary. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Barcelona recently returned to La Liga’s 1:1 spending rule after several years of restrictions.

That improvement has been driven by increased projected revenue, significant wage reductions and careful management of player departures, allowing the club to register new signings under normal financial conditions.

Club officials, however, do not expect those favourable conditions to last beyond this season.

Camp Nou works could reduce future revenue

The main concern centres on the 2027/28 campaign. With work scheduled to continue on the installation of the new roof at Spotify Camp Nou, Barcelona expect to play the first half of that season at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic.

The temporary move would significantly reduce matchday income compared to playing at Camp Nou, affecting one of the club’s largest revenue streams.

As a result, Barcelona anticipate falling outside La Liga’s 1:1 financial rule once again, limiting their ability to register new signings during the 2027 summer transfer window.

Accelerating transfer plans

Aware of those projected restrictions, Barcelona are attempting to complete much of their squad planning now rather than waiting until 2027.

Deco has his task cut out. (Photo by Friedemann Vogel/Getty Images)

The club intend to strengthen the team across the current summer window and the upcoming winter market, effectively bringing forward recruitment that might otherwise have been spread over several transfer periods.

The €210 million advance has therefore been divided into two phases. Around €105 million is expected to be available during the current summer transfer window, while the remaining €105 million is being reserved for January, when those funds can also be utilised.

Barcelona have already completed the signing of Anthony Gordon, are close to finalising Karim Adeyemi’s arrival, continue to prioritise Julian Alvarez as their preferred striker target, and remain confident of adding Joao Cancelo before the end of the transfer window.

A new centre-back could also be brought in, although it would depend on any potential exits.