Barcelona struggling to find a shirt sponsor to keep up with Premier League giants
Barcelona are trying all they can to attract a shirt sponsor who are willing to match the deals provided to the top Premier League clubs. Barcelona are still with Qatar airways and are looking to match the kind of deals given to English giants, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Negotiations fell apart earlier in the year when Barcelona found out that the Qataris didn't include a massive rise in the amount of money to be paid at the start of each year. The relationship grew so sour that they weren't even picking up calls by Barcelona in the winter.
With a renegotiation now considered to be closer than it was in the winter, Barcelona are going to lower their demands but ensure that they get just about enough to make sure their big names aren't disappointed.
Kit providers Nike are said to be agitated with Barcelona as well since the club has been unable to pin down a final short sponsor before the start of next season. The Americans need the shirt finalised as soon as possible in time for all the pre-season promotional activities planned for the Catalans.
Another reason for Barcelona speeding up the whole issue is to ensure they keep their promises to Sergio Busquets, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez. The four superstars have been ensured that they'll be getting new contracts soon with potential increments in pay. Busquets' agent has fueled speculation by teasing the English media in secret about the Spaniard's interest in moving to Manchester City to reconnect with former manager, Pep Guardiola.
Neymar has constantly been linked with a move to Manchester City, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain with Barcelona fans hoping that these are rumours initiated by agents only to push Barcelona to get the contracts ready as soon as possible.