FC Barcelona Still Owes Bayern Munich €20 Million for Lewandowski Transfer
Barcelona’s Debt to Bayern Resurfaces
FC Barcelona’s financial troubles have returned to the spotlight after reports confirmed the club still owes Bayern Munich €20 million from the transfer of Robert Lewandowski in 2022.
Despite generating record revenues in 2024–25, the Catalan club continues to face cash flow challenges that delay outstanding payments.
The issue, revealed by German outlet Bavarian Football Works, has sparked renewed debate about Barcelona’s management and UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules.
“Payments are delayed but secured,” a Barcelona spokesperson told Spanish media. “We maintain a positive relationship with Bayern.”
The Transfer That Changed Both Clubs
Lewandowski’s Move in 2022
When Barcelona signed Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich for €45 million in July 2022, it was seen as a statement of intent.
Lewandowski quickly became the face of Barcelona’s new sporting project under Xavi Hernández, scoring 23 goals in his debut La Liga season and helping the club win the 2022–23 title.
However, due to the club’s financial restructuring, the transfer fee was split into multiple installments over several years. Bayern has reportedly received only two of the four scheduled payments so far.
Bayern’s Position
According to reports in Germany, Bayern expects full payment by the end of 2025. The club remains calm but has informed UEFA’s Club Finance Department about the delay, seeking “clarity and compliance.”
A Bayern board member stated anonymously:
“It’s not a conflict, but we expect professionalism. We trust Barcelona will meet their obligations.”
Barcelona’s Ongoing Financial Struggles
High Revenues, High Expenses
Despite announcing over €1.3 billion in annual revenue, Barcelona continues to battle debt exceeding €800 million.
Expensive player contracts, infrastructure projects, and deferred transfer payments have all contributed to the strain.
The club’s ongoing Spotify Camp Nou renovation, valued at €1.5 billion, has further limited short-term liquidity. This has forced the board to prioritize payments to staff and new signings over older debts.
The “Economic Levers” Strategy
To stay competitive, Barcelona sold future media and merchandise rights — known as “economic levers” — to finance short-term spending.
While this helped register new players, critics argue it mortgaged the club’s long-term stability.
Sports economist Marc Ciria warned, “Barcelona’s model is risky. They’re buying time, not solving structural problems.”
What UEFA’s Financial Rules Say
Monitoring Deferred Payments
UEFA’s Financial Sustainability regulations allow installment-based transfers, provided payments are made on agreed timelines.
Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including transfer bans or reduced squad registration limits for European competitions.
So far, UEFA has not opened an investigation, but the situation will be reviewed during the next audit cycle in early 2026.
Bayern’s Options
If Barcelona continues to delay, Bayern could file an official complaint with UEFA or the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
However, sources from both clubs suggest the dispute will likely be resolved privately without legal escalation.
The Bigger Picture — Barcelona’s Balancing Act
Financial Pressure Meets Sporting Ambition
Barcelona faces the difficult task of balancing financial responsibility with the need to remain competitive on the field.
With Lewandowski, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal leading the charge, the club is still one of Europe’s most marketable brands — but one walking a financial tightrope.
Long-Term Repercussions
If debts continue to accumulate, Barcelona’s ability to invest in new players could be limited.
Analysts suggest the club must either sell assets or find new sponsors to stabilize its finances.
“Barcelona’s challenge is not income — it’s timing,” explained Ciria. “Cash flow, not reputation, defines survival.”
Looking Ahead
Barcelona’s next step is to settle the remaining €20 million owed to Bayern by mid-2025, as stipulated in the contract.
While both clubs maintain mutual respect, the episode underscores the ongoing financial pressures facing even the world’s biggest football institutions.
In the end, Barcelona’s reputation for glamour and success still shines — but behind the headlines, the financial scoreboard tells a more complicated story.
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