Financial records reveal that FC Barcelona still owe Manchester City a significant final payment from the 2021 transfer of Ferran Torres.
Manchester City are still awaiting a final instalment of around £12 million (€13 million) from FC Barcelona to conclude the deal for Ferran Torres, nearly four years after his move to the Camp Nou.
The Spanish forward joined Barcelona in December 2021 for an initial fee of £46.3 million, becoming part of Xavi Hernández’s rebuilding project midway through the 2021/22 season. Despite the deal being agreed long ago, the full payment has reportedly not yet been completed.
Barcelona’s Financial Difficulties Continue
Barcelona’s financial struggles have been a major talking point in world football. The club continues to face heavy debt and strict financial regulations, leading to delays in payments to other clubs and complications in registering new players.
The Ferran Torres transfer serves as another example of these issues. The 24-year-old forward has endured a mixed spell at the club, featuring both as a starter and as a back-up under Hansi Flick in the current setup.
Financial Records Reveal Outstanding Payments
According to financial documents identified by Stefan Borson, Barcelona still owe €13 million (£12 million) to Manchester City for the 2021 transfer of Ferran Torres. However, it is explained that City have already sold the debt to a bank and received approximately 95% of the amount upfront.
The report also highlights several other outstanding debts owed by Barcelona to different clubs:
- £36.5 million to Leeds United for Raphinha
- £22 million to Sevilla for Jules Kounde
- £8.5 million to Bayern Munich for Robert Lewandowski
- £15.5 million to RB Leipzig for Dani Olmo
- £15 million to Athletico Paranaense for Vitor Roque
Despite selling Vitor Roque to Palmeiras for €25 million in 2024, Barcelona still owe his former club a portion of the original transfer fee, illustrating how the club’s deferred payment structure continues to complicate their financial outlook.
Impact on Manchester City and Barcelona
For Manchester City, the matter is unlikely to cause disruption, as the club has already secured most of the owed sum through financial arrangements. However, the case has again drawn attention to Barcelona’s ongoing economic instability and questionable transfer strategies.
As UEFA and domestic regulators continue to monitor clubs’ financial compliance, Barcelona will need to manage their outstanding obligations to avoid further scrutiny and potential sanctions.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Barcelona must prioritise settling deferred transfer fees to stabilise their accounts. Meanwhile, Ferran Torres’ future remains uncertain, with several Premier League clubs reportedly monitoring his situation. Any potential sale could help Barcelona temporarily ease their cash flow pressures.
FAQ
Q: How much does Barcelona still owe Manchester City for Ferran Torres?
A: Barcelona owe approximately £12 million (€13 million) from the 2021 transfer deal.
Q: When did Ferran Torres join Barcelona?
A: Torres joined Barcelona in December 2021 from Manchester City for an initial fee of £46.3 million.
Q: Has Manchester City received most of the money?
A: Yes, City have reportedly sold the debt to a bank and received about 95% of the amount upfront.
Q: Why does Barcelona have so many outstanding payments?
A: The club’s financial instability and reliance on deferred transfer structures have caused delays in fulfilling payment obligations.
Q: Could Ferran Torres leave Barcelona soon?
A: Yes, reports suggest Premier League clubs are interested in Torres, and a sale could help Barcelona improve their cash flow.
Conclusion
The revelation that Barcelona still owe Manchester City £12 million from the Ferran Torres transfer underscores the ongoing financial challenges facing the Catalan giants. While City have safeguarded their finances through early settlement, Barcelona’s growing list of unpaid transfer fees raises serious concerns about their long-term stability. Resolving these debts will be essential if the club hopes to rebuild sustainably and avoid future financial sanctions.
