Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reportedly considering a massive €10 billion offer to buy FC Barcelona, according to Spanish football media. The speculation, which comes amid continued financial challenges for the Catalan club, suggests the Saudi leader could pursue a landmark investment in one of Europe’s most historic teams.
Journalist François Gallardo, speaking on the Spanish show El Chiringuito, claimed that the Crown Prince is preparing a bid worth around €10 billion for Barcelona. That figure would be intended not just to aid the club financially but to gain total control, at least in theory, of the institution.
The potential move fits a broader strategy by Saudi Arabia, and its Public Investment Fund (PIF), to expand influence in global sports through major investments and ownership stakes.
FC Barcelona’s debt situation
Barcelona’s financial situation has been a major talking point in recent years, with the club carrying a significant debt load that complicates both day-to-day operations and long-term planning. Gallardo notes that Barcelona’s debt exceeds €2.5 billion, which makes dramatic solutions like outside investment more appealing on the surface, even if they are also controversial, Barcelona Universal reported.
Why a full takeover faces major obstacles
Despite the reported interest, several structural and legal barriers make a full foreign takeover unlikely. Unlike many European football clubs that operate as private companies or have majority shareholders, Barcelona is owned by its socios (club members).
These members retain control over major decisions, including any potential sale or change in ownership structure. Historically, the club’s members have resisted outside takeovers, particularly by foreign investors, making a complete acquisition by the Crown Prince or Saudi-linked entities highly improbable.
One possibility cited in the report centres on a partial investment model, similar to strategies discussed at clubs like Real Madrid. In that scenario, investment would be confined to non-sporting parts of the club, such as the entertainment arm, while leaving core football operations under member control.
Although this approach would allow external capital without handing over day-to-day control, it falls short of a full takeover. At this stage, the discussions remain speculative, with no official confirmation from either Barcelona or Saudi authorities.