Barcelona Makes Major Progress: Activating Financial Lever to Secure €100M and Register Two Key Signings

Barcelona is on the brink of a crucial breakthrough in their efforts to register Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor. On December 28, reports from Mundo Deportivo and Sport revealed that club president Joan Laporta has made significant progress in negotiations during his trip to Dubai. By activating a financial lever, Barcelona could secure €100 million, resolving a critical issue ahead of the January transfer window.

The Challenge: Registering Olmo and Víctor

This past summer, Barcelona made two notable signings: Dani Olmo for €55 million and Pau Víctor for €2.7 million. These acquisitions were essential for bolstering the squad, especially after Ilkay Gündogan's departure and injuries to key players such as Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, and Marc-André ter Stegen. Despite their efforts to integrate these players, Barcelona has faced persistent financial challenges.

Although the club managed to temporarily register Olmo and Víctor, they must renew their registration by January 1, 2024. Failure to do so could have severe consequences. In Olmo’s case, the Spanish international would become a free agent, and clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly monitoring his situation closely.

A Race Against Time

On December 27, a Barcelona court rejected the club's registration request for Olmo and Víctor, putting the club under immense pressure. With just days left in the year, the situation appeared dire. However, Laporta and his team have identified a potential solution: the pre-sale of VIP boxes at the newly renovated Spotify Camp Nou.

The pre-sale, which aims to secure revenue for the next 20 years of VIP hospitality services, is expected to bring in €100 million. While some reports suggest the figure could rise to €120 million, this influx of funds would allow Barcelona to address their immediate financial obligations and complete the registration of their two new signings.

Laporta’s Intensive Efforts in Dubai

Joan Laporta has taken a hands-on approach to resolving this crisis. Over the past few days, he has been in Dubai negotiating the pre-sale of the Camp Nou’s VIP boxes. According to Mundo Deportivo, Laporta has dedicated himself entirely to this task, even skipping the prestigious Globe Soccer Awards ceremony to focus on securing the deal.

The feedback from Dubai has been encouraging. Laporta and the Barcelona board are optimistic that they can finalize the pre-sale agreement by Sunday, December 31. If successful, this financial boost will eliminate any obstacles to registering Olmo and Víctor.

A Backup Plan: Guarantees

While the VIP box pre-sale appears promising, Barcelona has also prepared a contingency plan. If the pre-sale fails to materialize, the club will seek to raise €60 million through guarantees. This alternative measure would still allow Barcelona to meet their registration requirements, though it is considered a last resort.

Legal Action Against La Liga

Barcelona is also preparing to take legal action against La Liga. On December 30, the club plans to file a lawsuit demanding that the league approve the registration of Olmo and Víctor. This move underscores the urgency of the situation and the high stakes involved.

A Critical Moment for Barcelona

The registration of Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor is more than just a bureaucratic hurdle; it is a test of Barcelona’s ability to navigate its financial challenges while maintaining its competitiveness on the pitch. With Laporta leading the charge, the club is working tirelessly to ensure a positive outcome before the year ends.

The next few days will be decisive. Whether through the pre-sale of VIP boxes or alternative measures, Barcelona is determined to secure the funds needed to register their new signings and continue building for the future.