AS: Barcelona's wage bill rises again, but remains within UEFA's recommended parameters

According to AS, Barcelona's first-team costs remain within UEFA's recommended limits, though the upward trend is concerning.

Barcelona's total wage bill has increased again. Although the club insists the situation is under control and team costs remain within UEFA's recommended parameters, risks exist. This is not an immediate alarm, but rather a matter of concerning trend.

In the 2019-20 season, Barcelona's wage expenditure reached €636 million, the same as the projected figure for this season. The problem then was not merely the amount spent, but the proportion of expenditures relative to revenue—the club's income had sharply declined due to the pandemic.

Ferran Olivé, the club's vice president for economics, stated: "Our wage expenditure is roughly on par with the 2019-20 season, but it previously accounted for 74% of revenue, and now it accounts for only 53%." By the 2020-21 season, as revenue dropped to €631 million, wage expenditure accounted for as much as 98% of income.

At this year's general assembly, Deco announced that Raphinha, Espinosa, and Bernal would all renew their contracts with improved salary conditions. The situation has improved; Barcelona has reduced its salary burden and regained its revenue-generating capacity.

However, first-team costs are rising again, partly as a result of sporting success. The club remains within sustainable limits with considerable room to spare, but must ensure that revenue growth outpaces expenditure growth.

Barcelona is internally confident about this, as the completed Spotify Camp Nou will become a significant revenue source. The BLM naming rights will also boost revenue in coming years. Deco seized the opportunity while operating under the 1:1 rule to finalize several major signings this summer and renew contracts for key players.

He is aware that the team will have to play at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys again at the start of next season, where revenue will be lower. It is almost certain that Barcelona's wage cap will once again be exceeded.

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