According to Spanish media reports, FC Barcelona has requested a transfer advance of 210 million euros. This is intended to help secure the club’s stated transfer targets, including Julian Alvarez.
As the World Cup enters its decisive phase, the transfer market is already in full swing at the club level. This is also the case at FC Barcelona, which has unveiled its first new signing: Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, acquired for 80 million euros. More are expected to follow—Julian Alvarez, Joao Cancelo, and Karim Adeyemi are considered top transfer targets. To make these signings happen, the Spanish champions have, according to consistent media reports, applied for guarantees totaling 210 million euros, which are reportedly secured by revenue from television rights for upcoming seasons.
The Catalans have repeatedly faced liquidity problems in recent years. In addition, registering new players—such as former Leipzig player Dani Olmo, whose registration in the spring of 2025 turned into a nail-biter—has repeatedly caused difficulties. Last October, the club spoke for the first time of “financial recovery” and announced at that time that it had reduced its debt to 469 million euros.
Declared Goal: The Champions League Trophy
Nevertheless, the financial situation at FCB remains tense. To ease the pressure, the Spanish champions are reliant on sporting success. According to Marca, the declared goal of coach Hansi Flick and president Joan Laporta is to return to the very top internationally. Specifically, this means winning the Champions League. Last season, Hansi Flick’s team was eliminated in the quarterfinals by league rival Atlético Madrid (2–3 on aggregate).
Barca has been courting Alvarez for weeks
Their best player, Alvarez—who scored a dream free kick in the 2-0 victory at Camp Nou—is expected to lead the Catalans back to major titles. Barcelona has been courting the Argentine World Cup champion for several weeks. Early last week, President Joan Laporta confirmed an official offer from Barca. However, Atlético Madrid does not want to let the 26-year-old forward—whose contract with the Rojiblancos runs through 2030—leave. At least not until the Madrid club has found a suitable replacement. Álvarez himself had already signaled his desire to leave Atlético. He is set to face Switzerland in the World Cup quarterfinals with Argentina.
The 29-time Spanish champions are said to have reached a verbal agreement with Adeyemi on a transfer on Thursday, Furthermore, The Athletic reported a breakthrough in negotiations regarding Joao Cancelo with the top Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. According to the report, both clubs have agreed on a transfer for the fullback.
Cancelo was recently eliminated with Portugal in the World Cup round of 16 against Spain (0–1). The 32-year-old had already been on loan to the Spanish club during the second half of the season, and now a transfer fee of around 10 million euros is on the table as part of his move. It remains to be seen whether FC Barcelona will receive the transfer advance. It also remains to be seen whether the 210-million-euro package will be enough for the trio centered around Alvarez
