Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is reportedly preparing a monumental €10 billion offer to acquire FC Barcelona, according to Spanish media reports cited by Goal.com. This potential move represents the latest ambitious play in global football by the Saudi wealth fund, which already maintains ownership of Premier League side Newcastle United and has attracted numerous elite players to the Saudi Pro League.
The reported interest emerges against the backdrop of Barcelona’s protracted financial crisis, which has plagued the club since the COVID-19 pandemic devastated its revenue streams. The Catalan giants have struggled under the weight of approximately €1.45 billion in debt, inherited from former president Josep Maria Bartomeu’s administration. These financial constraints have forced the club to implement drastic measures, including activating economic levers, renegotiating player contracts, and navigating La Liga’s stringent salary cap regulations.
Despite these off-pitch challenges, Barcelona maintains its competitive excellence on the field. The club recently secured both La Liga and Copa del Rey titles and entered the current 2025-2026 season as strong contenders across all competitions under manager Hansi Flick.
However, any acquisition attempt faces fundamental structural obstacles due to Barcelona’s unique membership model. Unlike conventional football club ownership structures, Barcelona operates as a collective entity owned by its socios (members), who retain control over governance and presidential elections. This model effectively prevents any individual or foreign entity from obtaining full ownership, rendering a complete takeover legally impossible.
Analysts suggest that while PIF could potentially explore investment opportunities in Barcelona’s commercial operations, the club’s core identity and ownership structure remain protected from external acquisition. This potential investment represents the continuing globalization of football ownership while highlighting the enduring tradition of fan-controlled governance models in European football.