Lewandowski change is approaching: FC Barcelona suddenly takes 700 million euros
Created: 06/17/2022, 08:00
By: Christoph Gschossmann
FC Barcelona is getting fresh money: 700 million euros could flow into the coffers, the transfer of Robert Lewandowski is getting closer.
Update from June 17, 7:41 a.m .:
FC Barcelona has come a good deal closer to Robert Lewandowski’s desired commitment.
At a general meeting late Thursday evening, two proposals by club president Joan Laporta for the short-term development of new sources of income were accepted with a clear majority.
The financially ailing club hopes that around 700 million euros will flow into the empty coffers in the next few weeks.
The sometimes heated debates before the two votes lasted almost three and a half hours.
First, the sale of a 49.9 percent stake in Barca Licensing and Merchandising (BLM) was approved, which should bring in 200 to 300 million euros.
The members with voting rights then also approved the assignment of a maximum of 25 percent of the TV rights for a maximum of 25 years.
According to Laporta, this could mean income of at least 500 to 550 million euros.
FC Barcelona gets fresh money: Lewandowski transfer is getting closer
Laporta, who has been in office since March 2021, drummed up his proposals before the meeting and said, among other things: “Barça was dead. Now we are in intensive care.
If these measures are approved, we will be discharged from the hospital.” National goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen's club has horrendous debts totaling 1.35 billion euros.
In addition to the 33-year-old Pole Lewandowski, Laporta wants to bring in other top footballers "to be able to play for titles again".
Among others, the Portuguese Rafael Leao and Bernardo Silva, the Spaniard Carlos Soler and the Senegalese Kolidou Koulibaly are under discussion.
However, in order not to endanger the desired restructuring of the finances, one wants to cut player salaries at the same time and reduce the salary pool by 160 to around 400 million euros annually.
Players who earn a lot and didn't do so well in Barcelona should also be sold.
The transfer of the Dutchman Frenkie de Jong, in which according to media reports Manchester United is particularly interested, should flush around 100 million into the coffers.
Barca: Members vote on money for Lewandowski transfer
First report from June 16, 3:42 p.m .: Munich/Barcelona – When will Robert Lewandowski finally get down to business?
FC Bayern doesn't want to give it away too cheaply, FC Barcelona definitely want it - and Lewandowski himself wants it anyway.
But the main problem at the moment is the money – but a general meeting could now ensure that the summer’s hiccup transfer is finally moving.
Because: The Catalans could finally get fresh money that should be spent immediately on the world footballer.
According to the image
, 4,478 members vote
on whether the club, which is indebted at 1.3 billion, can use new money.
Barca have already thrown a lot into the scales to get out of their financial troubles: The jersey advertising and the stadium name of the venerable Camp Nou - in the future "Spotify Camp Nou" - went to the new sponsor Spotify for 275 million euros.
Robert Lewandowski waves – a farewell to the Bayern fans?
© Sven Hoppe/dpa
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Now it's time for the club shares.
49.9 percent of the Barça Licensing & Merchandising (BLM) and 25 percent of the TV rights are to be sold if the members vote for it.
FC Bayern probably wants to pocket 50 million euros for Robert Lewandowski
And then things could go quickly in the Lewandowski case.
FC Bayern allegedly wants 50 million euros for the Pole.
The previous offer of 32 million plus bonus payments was not enough for FCB.
Bayern Munich's record scorers
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The club bosses recently confirmed that they want to keep Lewandowski until his contract expires next year.
But a corresponding offer initiated by the Barca members could probably make Oliver Kahn, Hasan Salihamidzic and Co. rethink.
Meanwhile, the situation is following the courted star striker from sunny climes.
Robert Lewandowski is currently switching off from the transfer theater and enjoying his family vacation, in Spain of all places.
(cg)
