La Liga has announced Barcelona’s reduced salary cap of €204 million following the close of the January transfer window.
According to The Athletic, the salary cap sets the maximum expenditure a club can incur throughout the season, reflecting all transactions during the winter transfer period.
Barcelona’s latest cap marks a significant decrease of €66 million from the previous limit set in September 2023, which stood at €270 million. It also represents a considerable drop from their allocation last February, which amounted to €648 million.
Despite minimal activity in January, which included the acquisition of Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense for €30 million plus potential add-ons, Barcelona managed to register Roque to compensate for Gavi’s long-term injury.
Gavi’s anterior cruciate ligament injury ruled him out for the remainder of the season, enabling Barcelona to make a winter signing under Article 77 of La Liga’s financial regulations.
The club’s total squad cost for the 2023-24 season, comprising salaries and transfer amortizations, is officially budgeted at €492 million . However, Barcelona has exceeded this level, necessitating cost-cutting measures before additional signings can be made.
Despite ongoing financial challenges, including the need to manage debt and sell club TV rights, Barcelona continues to contend with one of the highest wage bills in global football.
They were also unable to register new signings, such as Ilkay Gundogan, Oriol Romeu, and Inigo Martinez, before the current season commenced.
In contrast, Real Madrid maintains the league’s highest cap at €727 million, followed by Atletico Madrid at €303 million.
