Reports from Spain suggest that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince could be preparing one of the biggest takeover offers football has ever seen — a staggering bid believed to be in the region of €10 billion for a major European club.
Barcelona have emerged as one of the names linked with the potential move. The Catalan giants are currently ranked among the world’s most valuable football institutions, with estimates placing their worth at around $5.6 billion. They are also consistently among the highest revenue-generating clubs globally.
Financial Strength Meets Financial Complexity
Despite their commercial power, Barcelona’s financial position remains complicated. The club is understood to be carrying debts exceeding €2.5 billion, a factor any prospective buyer would need to carefully assess before progressing with a deal.
Another significant obstacle lies in Barcelona’s unique ownership structure. The club is owned by its members — known as socios — who traditionally resist full foreign takeovers and external control of daily operations. This model differs sharply from state-backed ownerships such as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which already controls Premier League side Newcastle United.
On the Pitch, Barcelona Fly High
While off-field uncertainty continues, Barcelona are thriving in La Liga. They currently sit at the top of the table and recently stretched their advantage to seven points after a convincing 2–0 win over Osasuna, with Raphinha scoring both goals after the break.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Sporting Influence
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been increasingly linked with major investments across global sport. Saudi Arabia has hosted high-profile boxing events, staged Formula 1 races since 2021, and transformed its domestic football league into a lucrative destination for elite players.
The Saudi Pro League has attracted numerous stars from Europe, with Cristiano Ronaldo leading the wave after his move in 2022, followed by several other high-profile signings.
A Bid That Would Shake European Football
According to Spanish journalist François Gallardo, speaking via El Chiringuito, the Saudi Crown Prince is exploring the possibility of submitting a €10bn proposal for one of football’s most iconic clubs — potentially one half of the famous El Clásico rivalry.
As heir to the Saudi throne and the country’s Prime Minister since 2022, the Crown Prince has access to vast financial resources. With Saudi Arabia’s royal wealth rooted in decades of oil revenue, funding such a move would not be an issue.
Whether the structure and traditions of European giants like Barcelona would allow such a takeover remains the biggest unanswered question — but if talks ever progress, it could redefine the balance of power in world football.
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