Bayern Munich CEO ends speculation over Barcelona’s outstanding debt – ‘It’s paid’ | OneFootball

Barcelona’s financial chapter with Bayern Munich over the transfer of Robert Lewandowski has officially come to an end. 

During Bayern’s annual general meeting, club CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen confirmed that the Catalan giants have cleared all outstanding payments related to the Polish striker’s move from the Bundesliga side.

When asked whether Barcelona still owed Bayern any money for the transfer, Dreesen was direct and transparent in his response.

“I’ll be clear because the answer is simple: it’s paid,” the Bayern executive stated as reported by SPORT.

This confirmation officially closes one of the more discussed financial stories surrounding Barcelona in recent years. 

According to Dreesen, the Blaugrana have now fulfilled their financial obligations in full for the player’s 2022 transfer.

What’s the story?

Lewandowski’s arrival was one of Barcelona’s biggest investments in recent years. 

The club paid €45 million to Bayern Munich for the prolific forward, who had spent remarkable years in Bavaria before seeking a new challenge in La Liga. 

Barcelona have finally settled Lewandowski’s payment. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Now in his fourth season with Barça, the 37-year-old continues to demonstrate why the move was worth every euro.

However, as is common in major transfers, Barcelona had agreed to pay the fee in instalments. 

According to the club’s end-of-season audit, they still owed €10.6 million to Bayern as recently as a few months ago, alongside smaller sums to previous clubs in accordance with training compensation rules.

Now, with all payments completed, the transfer is officially settled. 

They are still in debt

It is worth noting that Barça still have outstanding transfer payments for several players, including Raphinha and Dani Olmo. 

Paying in instalments remains the standard practice in top transfers, allowing clubs to manage their finances more strategically.

Despite the timing of his signing, during a financially strained period for Barcelona, few could argue that Lewandowski’s contribution has not justified the expense. 

His professionalism, leadership, and relentless scoring ability have made him one of the most valuable signings of the post-Messi era.