Explosive financial documents have laid bare the staggering debt Barcelona still owe Manchester City for Brazilian sensation Raphinha, exposing the true cost of the Catalan club's transfer market gambles.
The Price of Talent
According to recently revealed paperwork, Barcelona must pay Manchester City an astonishing £109 million (€129m) in outstanding instalments for Raphinha's transfer. This jaw-dropping figure represents one of the largest remaining transfer debts in world football.
Payment Breakdown Revealed
The detailed payment schedule shows Barcelona are committed to regular substantial payments to the Premier League champions until 2029. This long-term financial commitment comes despite the club's well-documented economic struggles and ongoing efforts to balance their books.
Financial Fair Play Implications
This revelation raises serious questions about Barcelona's compliance with Financial Fair Play regulations and their ability to operate within La Liga's strict financial controls. The massive outstanding debt could significantly impact their transfer market activity for seasons to come.
Manchester City's Transfer Mastery
For Manchester City, the arrangement demonstrates their shrewd negotiating power in the transfer market. Securing such favourable payment terms while maintaining financial flexibility has become a hallmark of the City Football Group's operations.
What This Means for Barcelona's Future
Financial experts suggest this level of committed spending could force Barcelona into making difficult decisions regarding player sales and wage structures. The club may need to offload other valuable assets to meet their financial obligations while remaining competitive on the pitch.
