Barcelona’s Financial Turnaround: A Victory for Laporta
In a significant show of support, Barcelona’s members have approved the club’s 2023-24 accounts, despite an overall net loss of €91 million. The vote, which saw 452 members in favor and 156 against, is a major victory for President Joan Laporta, who has been under fire for his management of the club.
A New Era of Financial Prudence
Laporta, who was elected for his second spell as Barça president in 2021, has taken drastic measures to improve the club’s finances. These include selling a proportion of the club’s television rights income and assets such as audiovisual production company Barça Studios, as well as reducing the first-team wage bill. According to Laporta, these efforts have already begun to bear fruit.
“We’re putting the finances back on a sound footing in as little time as possible,” Laporta said in a speech ahead of the vote. “We’re fixing the finances without the members having to put their hands in their pockets.”
A Shift in Focus
Laporta’s strategy has also involved a shift in focus towards homegrown players. This summer, the club invested in just two players: Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor. Olmo, who cost €47m, is seen as a key signing for the club.
Meanwhile, new coach Hansi Flick has been working to get the team back on track. Ahead of Barça’s game with Sevilla, Flick announced that Olmo, Gavi, and Fermín López had all recovered from injury and were likely to be involved as substitutes.
Fighting Against the Critics
Despite the progress made, Laporta remains under fire from critics. However, he remains defiant, saying that the club’s anthem says it all: “We fight against everything and everyone.”
Laporta attacked the club’s critics, saying that they were envious of their success. He also referred to the investigation into payments Barça made to Spain’s former refereeing vice-president, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Barcelona sit top of the LaLiga table, Laporta is confident that the club is on the right track. With a renewed focus on financial prudence and a commitment to developing homegrown talent, the future looks bright for the Catalan giants.
For now, Laporta can bask in the glow of a major victory. The approval of the club’s accounts is a significant show of support, and a testament to the progress made under his leadership. As the club continues to push forward, one thing is clear: Barcelona is back, and they’re here to stay.
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