Saudi Arabia considering €10 billion bid to buy FC Barcelona: Goal.com

Citing Spanish media reports, popular football website goal.com has claimed that Saudi Arabia is planning an ambitious 10 billion euros bid to buy FC Barcelona, one of the most iconic football clubs in the world.

Having brought marquee stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to the Saudi Premier League, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has now reportedly considered a bid to buy the Spanish football giants.

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While the PIF already owns English Premier League club Newcastle United, a move to take over Barcelona could be complicated despite the Catalan club’s recent financial struggles.

Following the Covid-19 pandemic, Barcelona have been battling a severe financial crisis, which eventually led to the departure of club legend Lionel Messi in 2021.

“The rumoured Saudi interest arrives against the backdrop of Barcelona’s years-long financial crisis, which has forced the club into drastic measures. Heavy debt from the Josep Maria Bartomeu era (which ended in 2020), a record-breaking wage bill, and the COVID-19 revenue collapse collectively crippled the club’s ability to operate normally,” the goal.com report said.

“These financial pressures triggered well-documented registration struggles under La Liga’s salary cap rules, forcing the club to delay signings, renegotiate contracts and activate multiple 'economic levers' to remain competitive.”

On the pitch, however, Barcelona remain among the strongest teams in Europe, having won the La Liga and the Copa del Rey last season.

Hansi Flick’s team were also the big favourite for the Champions League title, but they suffered a shock defeat to Inter Milan in the semifinals.

While Barcelona have made a superb start to the 2025-2026 season across competitions, they have been unable to break free from the shackles of the financial mess.

So could the club bosses be tempted to agree to a deal from a foreign group, a deal that can wipe Barcelona’s reported €1.45billion debt?

But any such attempt from foreign investors is unlikely to succeed, thanks to Barcelona’s socio-ownership model.

“The club is owned collectively by its members, who control elections and governance, meaning no individual, foreign or domestic, can purchase it,” the report on goal.com said.

“While the Saudi PIF could potentially invest in a separate commercial arm in the future, any attempt at full acquisition would be structurally blocked.”

The media reports may have shocked the club supporters across the world, but it’s Barcelona’s famed ownership model which could protect their cherished tradition.

Rituraj Borkakoty

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rituraj@khaleejtimes.com

Rituraj Borkakoty is Sports Editor and has spent more than two decades writing on his sporting heroes. He also loves an underdog story, so if you have one, share it with him. He would love to bring it to life.