The Catalan economist reveals the true cost of Barcelona's financial losses in 2022/23

By Jude Summerfield

A Catalan economist has said Barcelona suffered “worse than expected” financial losses of €330m (£285m) during the 2022/23 season.

Boat announced net profit of €304m (£263m) for the same financial year at the end of September, coincidentally the same day the club was on accused of corruption in the Negreira case. President Joan Laporta and his council will present their views for that time period which will be considered at an assembly of delegates later in October.

Laporta himself has said that the Blaugrana will be “financially recovered sooner than expected”, although this prospect has been questioned by Marc Ciria, a Catalan expert in asset management and financial taxation.

This was revealed by Ciria, founding partner and executive president of Diagonal Asset Management in Barcelona in a post on X The club’s operating profit was €795m (£686m) while expenses rose to €1.125bn (£970m). He highlighted the “runaway spending” and the fact that “ordinary losses were much higher than expected”.

BarcelonaMonetary issues have become infamous in recent years. The lowest point in the club’s history came due to poorly managed finances as Lionel Messi was forced to leave Catalonia at the end of his contract in 2021.

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Xavi’s squad have been strengthened by free transfer and loan arrivals during the summer window, but Barca are still hampered by a lack of funds, leaving them looking at players nearing the end of their contracts or available for cheap fees. Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez arrived on free transfers, Oriol Romeu returned them for €3.94m (£3.4m) and Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo arrived on loan.

Barcelona expect a loss in revenue and profits for 2023/24, falling to €859m (£741m) and €11m (£9.5m) respectively.

“We are improving in all aspects,” Laporta said recently. “We all think we have a very good team this year. Congratulations to everyone who has sporting responsibilities. We have put a lot of effort into being able to register all the players. We think it is worth the effort.

“Because we have a lot of confidence in the management we are doing, the company will be financially recovered sooner than expected in the strategic plan. If the team works, the company notices it. It is very important that the sporting part works because it helps everything.”