Barcelona plot mid-season friendly in US as solution to financial crisis
- Barcelona searching for ways to boost income amid ongoing financial problems
- Club battling Negreira case and paying for reconstruction of Camp Nou
- Barca in talks over mid-season friendly played in US to generate revenue
By Sean Walsh
Barcelona are contemplating playing a mid-season friendly in the United States in order to boost revenue.
Barca have notoriously been hampered by financial problems in recent years, notably losing Lionel Messi on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 as they were unable to register his contract in line with La Liga salary regulations.
President Joan Laporta spent much of the summer of 2022 mortgaging club assets in order to gain greater flexibility in the transfer market, with Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde among their high-profile additions.
Amid the ongoing Negreira case and the reconstruction of their Camp Nou stadium, Barcelona spent just €3.4m (£3m) on transfer fees this summer, with Oriol Romeu the only player they forked out for - Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez joined on free transfers, while Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix signed on loan.
With Barca still strapped for cash, the club are considering new ways to boost their finances, and Cadena SER report they are in talks over a mid-season friendly in the US.
Barcelona toured the US during pre-season, playing Arsenal, Real Madrid and Arsenal on the west coast. A further friendly with Juventus was called off due to a virus outbreak in the Barca squad.
They could return to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean on the week commending December 4 or as soon as La Liga pauses for their annual winter break on December 20.
Head coach Xavi has given his approval to such a match, understanding Barca's desperate need to generate income.
It is currently likely that Barcelona would face a Mexican side, though the suggestion of facing a team from MLS has also been floated.
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