Barcelona Drowning in Debt: Unpaid Transfer Fees Haunt Club

As of October 21, 2025, Barcelona are facing a severe financial crisis, with their past mistakes in the transfer market continuing to plague the club. According to reports, Barcelona have acknowledged that they still owe €159 million in unpaid transfer fees to several clubs, and they must pay €140 million this season alone.

This is a significant increase from the €45 million they settled last year, highlighting just how far the club is from permanently resolving their financial woes. The current crisis is a direct consequence of Barcelona's spending spree over the past few years, particularly during the 2022 summer transfer window.

The Catalan giants splashed out €150 million to bring in Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Jules Kounde, and three years later, they still owe €78 million for those deals. French clubs Bordeaux, Stade Rennais, and La Brede FC are among the clubs still waiting for payment.

Despite recent optimism from club president Joan Laporta, who claimed that Barcelona are "much better off than they were four and a half years ago," the club's financial situation remains dire. The delay in the reopening of the iconic Spotify Camp Nou stadium has also weakened the club's finances, as matchday revenue has plummeted.

As Barcelona look to defend their La Liga crown this season, they find themselves two points behind rivals Real Madrid in the race for the title. However, their off-field troubles continue to cast a shadow over their on-field ambitions.