The economical situation in the offices of FC Barcelona is far from ideal. Money is difficult to come by, and the club have been actively looking for ways to reverse the situation.
In view of the same, the Catalan club have also been looking out for a new sponsorship deal for the coming season, especially since they are on the final year of their partnership with Rakuten. However, there is an alarming situation concerning another partner.
According to reports from SPORT, Barcelona’s contract with Nike is under danger. If Xavi’s side fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season, sponsorship money paid by the company will take a hit.
Barcelona have already suffered a big financial blow by their elimination in the group stages of the UCL. Even winning the UEFA Europa League title will not suffice to cover for the loss of funds.
Joan Laporta and Xavi eye the coming summer window as a crucial one for the project. Multiple high profile departures and signings are eyed. Needless to say, the reduction in value of the sponsorship deal will be a big blow to the plans.
Moreover, the absence of the club from the prestigious European competition could hurt their chances of making any superstar signings like that of Erling Haaland. The Norweigan international has made it clear that he will only join a team that is competitive in the UCL.
The last extension of contract between the two parties was in May 2016 when Josep Maria Bartomeu announced the extension till 2028. As of then, the reported value of the deal was €105 million, which could increase by a further €50 million in variables.
This puts more pressure on Xavi to ensure Champions League qualification from his side this season. As it stands, Barcelona are only one point off the top four. It would, however, require immense consistency to secure the spot. Another possibility for Xavi’s side would be to win the Europa League which would automatically clinch a seat in next year’s UCL.
