Barcelona complete ‘best deal in the history of football’

Barcelona have signed what president Joan Laporta claims is the “best deal in the history of a football club”.

At the club’s general assembly, the Blaugrana ratified a deal with Nike that will see the Camp Nou side sponsored by the sportswear giant until 2038.

The agreement was announced as far back as 8 November and has been billed as a deal that could completely transform the fortunes of the club, which has been wracked by financial difficulties in recent seasons.

Laporta has done nothing to play down expectations.

“It’s the best economic deal in the history of sports for teamwear,” he said as quoted by Mundo Deportivo. “Thanks to Nike for understanding the strength and greatness of Barca in the world of sport.

“We feel strong and determined for the recovery of the club in all areas. It will help the economic recovery and confirms it’s moving in the right direction.

“It is a deal without the members having to dig into their own pockets, without endangering the ownership of the club.”

Barcelona’s turnaround nearly complete

Laporta underscored how the relationship with Nike has developed since he returned to the presidency in March 2021.

“When we arrived, the relationship with Nike was not going through the best of times. It was subject to legal proceedings and there was a point of mutual distrust,” he said.

“The old deal was outdated and needed updating. Now the payments are on the rise, looking at the present but also in the medium term. The deal frees up commercial assets that we didn’t have before.

“This helps up with FFP with regards LaLiga’s demands.”

Barcelona are dreaming of making a big summer signing in the summer, with a deal for Manchester City’s Erling Haaland potentially unlocked by this deal, while Laporta is seeking to pull another major financial lever to help the situation further.