Barcelona Finally Clear 2020 Deferred Salaries Amid Financial Recovery

Barcelona have officially completed the payment of the last batch of deferred salaries from the 2020 financial crisis, according to a new report by Sport. The club had been grappling with a long-standing backlog of unpaid wages owed to several high-profile individuals, including Lionel Messi, Philippe Coutinho, Samuel Umtiti, and former head coach Ronald Koeman.

These deferred payments stemmed from the financial chaos brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted the club’s revenue streams. In a bid to remain afloat, Barcelona had reached temporary agreements with players and staff to postpone a portion of their wages, promising to pay them later when the club was on better financial footing.

Now, four years later, Barcelona have finally fulfilled those commitments. This signals a major turning point for the Catalan giants, who have been in the spotlight for their economic instability, wage cap restrictions, and struggles with La Liga financial fair play rules. According to Diario Sport, the latest payments close the chapter on a particularly turbulent period in the club’s financial history.

Among those affected by the deferments was Lionel Messi, the club’s all-time top scorer, who left Barcelona in 2021 amid contract renewal issues largely tied to financial limitations. The delay in paying his owed wages added to the tension surrounding his emotional departure from Camp Nou. While Messi has since moved on to Inter Miami, this payment could represent a symbolic gesture of closure.

Philippe Coutinho, the Brazilian midfielder who once cost the club over €140 million, was also among the players still awaiting part of his salary. Though his impact on the pitch failed to meet expectations, his financial burden lingered even after loan spells and eventual exit. The club’s settlement of his dues is another step toward cleaning up the past.

Samuel Umtiti, plagued by injuries and inconsistent form, had long been seen as an expensive liability. Despite his limited involvement in recent seasons, the club had outstanding financial obligations toward him. With this final payment, Barcelona are now free of any backdated commitments related to his contract.

Ronald Koeman, who managed the team during the early part of their financial crisis, had also agreed to deferred payments. His tenure was marked by both on-field transitions and off-field challenges. Fulfilling their financial agreement with Koeman is seen as a move to maintain the club’s credibility and reputation in handling contractual matters.

Barcelona’s financial department has been working tirelessly under President Joan Laporta’s leadership to stabilize the club’s economy. The successful clearing of deferred salaries reflects improved internal management and perhaps signals a more sustainable financial future for the Blaugrana.

This development comes at a critical time, as Barcelona continue to navigate transfer market dealings and player registrations ahead of the new season. Having resolved past debts, the club may now have more flexibility to comply with La Liga regulations and make crucial squad adjustments.

For the fans, this moment offers a glimmer of hope that Barcelona is finally moving past one of its darkest financial chapters. While challenges remain, paying off the deferred wages is a key milestone in the club’s path toward full recovery and long-term stability.