FC Barcelona<\/a> are once again entering territory they know all too well. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Catalans\u2019 wage bill is increasing and, although the club maintain that the situation is under control and that squad costs remain within the parameters recommended by UEFA, the upward trend is something that they need to keep a close eye on, reports AS<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n This is not an immediate alarm, but rather a question of direction. The Blaugrana<\/em> know from experience what can happen when such a trend gets out of control.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The 2019-20 season remains a particularly relevant reference point. That year, Barcelona\u2019s wage bill reached \u20ac636 million, exactly the figure projected for this season. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The issue at the time was not simply the amount being spent, but how large that figure was compared with the club\u2019s revenue, which fell dramatically because of the pandemic. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll have more or less the same wage bill as in 2019-20, but back then it represented 74% of revenue and now it would be 53%,\u201d<\/strong> Ferran Olive, Barcelona\u2019s vice-president for economic affairs said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Ferran Olive admitted Bar\u00e7a\u2019s wage bill was rising. (Photo courtesy: X\/FCBarcelona_es)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In 2020-21, that proportion climbed to 98%, as revenue fell to \u20ac631 million.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Olive acknowledged that spending on sporting salaries has increased, but argued that the rise is being matched by stronger revenue. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \u201cThere is an increase in sporting salaries, but it\u2019s in line with revenue. We have a young team and we need to increase salaries through renewals. We have to keep the players,\u201d<\/strong> he staed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n That policy is already being reflected in the squad. Deco announced at the club\u2019s General Assembly that Raphinha, Xavi Espart and Marc Bernal will renew their contracts, with improved financial terms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Barcelona\u2019s situation is different from several years ago. The club have reduced the proportion of their revenue devoted to wages and rebuilt their ability to generate income. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n However, the cost of the squad is rising again, partly as a consequence of the team\u2019s sporting success.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Barcelona\u2019s wage bill year after year. (Courtesy: FC Barcelona).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Bar\u00e7a remain within their sustainability parameters and, according to the current projections, still have significant room. The key will be ensuring that revenue grows faster than expenditure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Barcelona are particularly confident about the commercial potential of the completed Spotify Camp Nou, which is expected to become a major source of revenue once fully operational. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The La Liga champions also expect Bar\u00e7a Licensing and Merchandising (BLM) to increase its turnover over the coming years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Deco has taken advantage of Barcelona being back under the 1:1 financial fair play rule to make significant signings this summer and renew several contracts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n However, there is another challenge ahead. At the beginning of next season, Barcelona are set to return to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys<\/a> while work continues at Camp Nou. That would mean lower matchday revenue.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n As a result, Barcelona are almost certain to find themselves above the salary limit again, making the club\u2019s ability to increase revenue and manage squad costs particularly important over the coming seasons.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/picture><\/div>\nRenewals are pushing costs higher<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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<\/picture><\/div>\nRevenue growth will be crucial<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
A tighter situation next season<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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