La Liga set deadline for Barcelona to sort financial accounts amid Nike deal complications - Reports
According to a report by Diario AS, La Liga have set a December 31 deadline for Barcelona to sort out their financial issues amid reported complications with their Nike deal. The Catalan club have been mired in financial difficulties over the last few years and have struggled to balance their books.
Their financial issues prevented them from renewing the contract of their greatest-ever player Lionel Messi in 2021, as he left for Paris Saint-Germain for free. The Blaugrana have also faced difficulties registering their signings due to the same.
The 2022/23 La Liga champions are expected to return to a relatively healthy financial state by the end of the year, which could see them freely able to register players. The Spanish giants hope to settle any lingering financial issues before the December 31 deadline set by the league if they hope to see their deal with Nike approved.
With the summer transfer window now closed, the Catalan club will now move their focus to the winter transfer window.
La Liga president commends Barcelona for reducing wage bill
La Liga president Javier Tebas has commended Barcelona for slashing their wage bill amid their financial problems. The Catalan club have struggled financially in recent times and are trying to reduce their expenditure on wages to ease their situation.
Speaking earlier in the summer, Tebas said on Barca's situation (via Barca Blaugranes):
“This year, of all the last few years, is the easiest for them. Barcelona knows what they have to do to bring in players, they know financial fair play, they have a good command of it. They are coming out of their complicated financial situation and we will see if they can resolve those few issues they have in order to add the important signings they are hoping for.
“There is one essential fact. Three years ago Barcelona had a first team wage bill of 650 million euros, today it is 450 million, 250 million less, something that is more manageable for a team like Barcelona. It is at the level of Real Madrid in terms of wage bill, but Madrid has done its homework well for many years and that is why it can sign players.”