Laporta’s Dream Meets Financial Reality

FC Barcelona’s interest in Julián Álvarez is no secret. The Manchester City forward is highly admired within the Catalan boardroom. However, before any formal approach or offer can take place, one obstacle stands in the way: money.

According to recent financial reports, Barcelona still owes over €159 million from previous transfer deals — a sum divided between €140.6 million short-term and €18.5 million long-term, as detailed in the club’s latest financial statements.

Barça’s Pending Accounts

The breakdown of those debts paints a complicated picture:

• 💰 Leeds United is still owed nearly €42 million for Raphinha.
• 💰 Bayern Munich awaits €20 million for Robert Lewandowski.
• 💰 Sevilla is due €24 million for Jules Koundé.
• 💰 Even Manchester City appears among the creditors, waiting €13.3 million for Ferran Torres.

Other clubs like Rennes, Girona, Valencia, and Sporting CP also appear on the list, all part of a web of deferred payments that continue to weigh down the Blaugrana’s finances.

Laporta Sticks to His Plan

Despite the constraints, Joan Laporta’s administration continues to project optimism.
In its latest statements, the club highlighted a €90 million reduction in overall debt over the past year and record-breaking sponsorship and merchandising figures.

“The results show a solid financial structure. Sponsorships and merchandising have reached record numbers,” the club recently announced.

Barcelona also has pending receivables of around €64.1 million, expected to be collected over the next three years — a small relief amid ongoing financial pressure.

And What About Julián Álvarez?

Given this context, Barcelona’s pursuit of Julián Álvarez feels more like a dream than an imminent reality. The Argentine forward’s versatility and work rate make him a top long-term target, but the current budget leaves little room for high-profile operations.

Laporta may once again turn to “creative formulas” to explore a future deal, much like he has done in previous transfers.

For now, though, Álvarez continues to shine at Manchester City, while in Barcelona, the hope remains that — someday — the numbers and the dream might finally align.