Barcelona are close to signing a new agreement with Nike worth an astonishing $1.4 billion, according to a new report.
The Spanish football giants have faced notable financial difficulties in recent years, culminating in the departure of club icon Lionel Messi on a free transfer in 2021.
Under new president Joan Laporta, Barcelona has implemented several financial strategies, known as ‘financial levers,’ to alleviate their financial strain.
However, recent developments may have undermined any goodwill the team had garnered, particularly with the introduction of their new away kit.
On September 4, the club unveiled its new all-black away jersey, a design they periodically revisit.
While reactions to the kit itself have been varied, there is widespread discontent about its price.
Fans will need to spend a staggering €114.99 (£97) for the basic version of the shirt from the club’s official store, with the player version, featuring name, number, and logo, priced at €184.99 (£156).
Mundo Deportivo reports that these prices make Barcelona’s new kit the most expensive football shirt ever.
In comparison, Real Madrid’s basic shirt is €15 cheaper, though their player version also costs €184.99.
Purchasing the shirt through Nike’s website offers a slightly cheaper option, starting at €99.99 (£84).
Fans have expressed their frustration, with one remarking, “€185 for a shirt is hilarious man. We’re not buying that; I’ll get the €20 version from the street instead.”
Another fan joked, “At those prices, I expect the jersey to come with a lifetime supply of snacks and a personal butler,” while a third quipped, “I hope it comes with a trophy or two.”
Laporta told Spanish outlet RAC1: “We are now looking for the best solution. We have three options: continue with Nike, accept what the market offers us, or handle it ourselves through BLM [Barca Licensing & Merchandising].”
However, Spanish outlet SPORT is now reporting that the club is about to finalize a major new deal with Nike.
It is reported that the contract, expected to span over 10 years, will be worth an astonishing $1.4 billion, with Barcelona receiving a renewal bonus exceeding 100 million euros.
Additionally, the report mentions that negotiations have included a fixed payment as well as a set of performance-related variables based on the titles won by the first team.
New manager Hansi Flick will guide Barcelona into the 2024/25 season as they aim to challenge Real Madrid, a goal made more difficult by Los Blancos’ recent acquisition of Kylian Mbappe.
