Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is reportedly considering a €10 billion bid to acquire Barcelona, according to El Chiringuito’s Francois Gallardo. The potential investment would align with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy of expanding its footprint in global sports, either directly or through its Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Barcelona currently carries over €2.5 billion in debt, which partly explains the scale of the proposed offer. A full acquisition, however, faces significant hurdles. Clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid are owned by socios, or members, who traditionally do not permit foreign takeovers.
Gallardo notes that while the PIF could technically invest if Barcelona splits its entertainment operations from its footballing activities, this would not grant control over the club’s day-to-day sporting decisions. Real Madrid is reportedly exploring a similar model, with Florentino Pérez open to separating the entertainment arm to attract external investors.
For now, a full acquisition of Barcelona by a foreign entity, including the PIF, remains highly unlikely, though strategic investments in non-football operations could provide a pathway for involvement.
