Barcelona Hit with Massive Salary Cap Slash as La Liga Unveils Crushing Squad Spending Limits

Barcelona have experienced a dramatic reduction in their salary cap of nearly 25% following another summer filled with behind-the-scenes turmoil.

The registration of new players became a tense issue for Barcelona during the summer transfer window, with players like Marcus Rashford and Joan García enduring anxious periods as the current La Liga title holders battled to create room within their financial constraints.

The ongoing absence from Camp Nou, which remains unfit for hosting matches despite earlier optimistic projections this summer, has severely impacted Barcelona's financial situation, while their inability to satisfy the necessary requirements for the €100 million ($117.9 million) VIP box sale has resulted in Barcelona's salary cap decreasing by €112.3 million from January 2025.

Consequently, Hansi Flick's team must now work within a total squad expenditure of €351.3 million which, despite remaining sufficient for La Liga's second position, represents less than half the ceiling granted to Real Madrid.

Los Blancos have actually experienced an increase in their salary cap to €761.2 million due to strong revenue generation and relatively modest net expenditure.

"Barça has demonstrated its ability to acquire players," La Liga president Javier Tebas stated. "It has conducted a transfer window consistent with its resources.

"This comes from securing a league championship and recruiting exceptional players who have emerged from within, through the academy system. Player acquisitions aren't obligatory. Currently, we've observed Barça's season opening and it's progressing positively."

Providing additional insight into Barcelona's decline, La Liga director Javier Gómez noted: "The €112 million [decrease] for Barça corresponds with the €100 million from the VIP facilities. One auditor approved it, then another rejected it, removing the €100 million from them. That's the direct correlation. 

"I'm certain they'll regain it. They're an elite global institution. They'll definitely overcome this 100%, they simply need to put in the effort.

"Barça is functioning without their home venue, resulting in substantial revenue losses. They must navigate a challenging situation they inherited while competing with their stadium unavailable. We're discussing €70 million, €80 million annually that they're missing. The question is whether resolution comes in three or 12 months."

La Liga Squad Cost Limits for 2025–26 Season