Barcelona 'on verge' of signing game-changing $1.4bn deal that could completely transform the club
Barcelona are close to signing a new agreement with Nike worth an astonishing $1.4 billion, according to a new report.
The Spanish giants have had well-publicised financial issues over recent seasons, with the major consequence of those being the departure of club legend Lionel Messi on a free transfer in 2021.
Under new president Joan Laporta, Barca have resorted to a series of measures to ease their financial pressures, dubbed as 'financial levers'.
They included selling stakes in the club's future business, including TV rights, while the club also negotiated with several key players to defer their wage payments.
Advert
Another way of potentially saving money has arrived in the form of their kit manufacturer.
Barca have been involved with Nike since 1988, but it was reported in March that the club were considering parting ties with the American sportswear giant and having their own brand of shirts instead.
Laporta told Spanish outlet RAC1: "It is at this point that we want to find the best solution. There are three options: Continue with [Nike], accept what the market gives us, or do it ourselves through BLM [Barca Licensing & Merchandising]."
However, Spanish outlet SPORT are now reporting that the club are set to sign a huge new deal with Nike.
It is claimed that the total value of the contract, said to be over 10 years, will be a staggering $1.4 billion, with Barca receiving a renewal bonus that will 'exceed 100 million euros'.
The report also adds that talks have been held over a fixed payment and a 'series of variables depending on the titles won by the first team'.
New manager Hansi Flick will lead Barca into the 2024/25 season as they look to topple Real Madrid - a task made even harder by Los Blancos' new star signing of Kylian Mbappe.
SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated transfer news channel to send you the latest deals, rumours and more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.
Ryan Smart