Barcelona's financial recovery faces new test as squad costs increase

Sporting director Deco has taken advantage of the club's return to the 1:1 salary-cap rule by strengthening the squad and agreeing improved contracts with existing players. Barcelona also made several notable additions during the summer, increasing the overall cost of maintaining the first team.

The spending has not placed the club in immediate financial danger. Barcelona remain within the squad-cost parameters recommended by UEFA and continue to operate inside sustainable financial limits.

However, AS reports that the wage bill is moving upwards again after years of attempts to bring expenditure under control.

Part of the increase can be attributed to improved sporting results, but Barcelona cannot allow squad costs to rise faster than their income indefinitely. The club therefore needs continued growth in revenue to maintain the current balance.

Commercial earnings and increased matchday income are expected to play important roles, with the completed Spotify Camp Nou set to become a major source of revenue once fully operational. Barca Licensing and Merchandising (BLM) is also expected to contribute more in the coming years.

There is a potential complication next season, however. AS expects Barcelona to exceed their salary-cap limit again, despite remaining within UEFA's recommended parameters. That would not automatically indicate another financial crisis, but it would underline the challenge facing the club.

Barcelona are expected to return to the Lluis Companys stadium at the beginning of next season, which would generate less matchday income than the completed Spotify Camp Nou.