Spanish journalist François Gallardo dropped a bombshell when he claimed that Saudi Arabia is planning to buy FC Barcelona in the near future.
According to the club’s bylaws, no investor can buy shares in FC Barcelona. Historically, the club’s general assembly has ensured that ownership belongs to its members.
The same applies to Real Madrid, but recently Florentino Pérez has begun to change this, becoming willing to sell 10% of the club’s shares for €1 billion to increase investment and financial returns.
Real Madrid’s general assembly approved this, despite it going against the club’s long-standing traditions. It has been suggested that Barcelona might follow suit.
According to Gallardo, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is very interested in buying Barcelona and is prepared to pay €10 billion to acquire 100% of the club’s shares.
Barcelona is already grappling with a debt crisis of $2.5 billion, which could force Joan Laporta’s administration and the general assembly to seriously address the issue to overcome the economic crisis that now threatens the club’s very existence.
At the same time, Gallardo’s report is not expected to be true, given that he is one of the least credible Spanish journalists in recent years.
Generally speaking, Barcelona fans consistently reiterate their firm opposition to any investor or company acquiring even a single share in the club, regardless of any potential benefits.
Therefore, it seems most likely that Gallardo simply wanted to generate buzz with a sensational story, while Saudi Arabia is practically focusing its efforts on more realistic and less costly sports investments in other European clubs.
