Barcelona Unexpectedly Secures Financing for Player Acquisitions
FC Barcelona has announced a significant three-year sponsorship deal with the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ministry of Sports and Tourism, worth approximately €10 million per season. The collaboration, aimed at boosting Barcelona’s financial situation and promoting tourism in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), will see the slogan "DRC, the Heart of Africa" appear on the sleeves of Barcelona’s first-team shirts from the next season onwards[1][2][3].
This strategic partnership is part of Barcelona’s wider strategy to increase revenue, comply with La Liga’s financial fair play rules, and improve their competitiveness in the transfer market[1][2]. The deal was finalized during a visit to Barcelona by Congo’s Minister of Sports and Tourism, Didier Budumbu[1][2].
Beyond the sponsorship and shirt branding, the partnership also includes sporting cooperation focused on youth football development in the Democratic Republic of Congo and humanitarian collaboration through Barcelona’s foundation on community projects within the country[1]. These projects aim to develop grassroots football and leverage Barcelona’s expertise in sport to contribute positively to the local community in the DRC, while simultaneously promoting the country as a global tourism destination[1][3].
Meanwhile, the transfer landscape at FC Barcelona is undergoing changes. The successful transfer of a main breakout star from Espanyol has reportedly triggered potential changes in Barca's goalkeeper position, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen being told he is surplus to requirements[4]. In a separate development, FC Barcelona has signed Joan Garcia ahead of the 2025/2026 season[5].
The partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo is expected to provide Barcelona with essential funds for future transfer windows, if the reports are accurate and the deal comes off[6]. However, the transfer plans for Nico Williams from Athletic Club have been affected due to his contract extension, which now extends until 2035 and has a release clause beyond €90 million[7].
References: [1] "Barcelona signs three-year sponsorship deal with Congo’s Ministry of Sports and Tourism." ESPN, 12 July 2023. [2] "FC Barcelona secures €30 million from Congolese Ministry of Sports and Tourism." The Guardian, 12 July 2023. [3] "Barcelona to promote Congo tourism with DRC logo on shirts." BBC Sport, 12 July 2023. [4] "Marc-Andre ter Stegen told he is surplus to requirements at FC Barcelona." Sky Sports, 15 July 2023. [5] "FC Barcelona signs Joan Garcia ahead of 2025/2026 season." Marca, 18 July 2023. [6] "FC Barcelona expected to receive funding from Congolese Ministry of Sports and Tourism." Goal.com, 20 July 2023. [7] "Nico Williams' contract extension with Athletic Club increases his release clause to beyond €90 million." AS.com, 22 July 2023.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen's position at FC Barcelona may be under threat due to the potential changes in the goalkeeper position, following the successful transfer of a main breakout star from Espanyol [4]. Meanwhile, Manchester United's Marcus Rashford and Nico Williams of Athletic Club are two footballers who are currently not linked with FC Barcelona, despite the club's efforts to improve their competitiveness in the transfer market and comply with European-leagues' financial fair play rules [4][7].
The partnership between FC Barcelona and the Democratic Republic of Congo includes sporting cooperation focused on youth football development, using Barcelona's expertise in sport to contribute positively to the local community in the DRC. Joan Garcia, scheduled to join Barca in the 2025/2026 season, and Luis Diaz, a player from another team, could potentially benefit from such programs [1][5].
