Barcelona has regained the ability to sign players under the 1:1 rule following a historic increase in its salary limit. The governing body raised the club's economic limit from €432 million to €582.769 million, a milestone reflecting the Catalan club's financial recovery. Mundo Deportivo reports the statements from LaLiga president Javier Tebas and corporate general director Javier Gómez, who detailed Barça's positive financial evolution during the presentation of the competition's limits.
The news arrives at a time of peak sporting form, with Barcelona leading LaLiga with 12 points after four consecutive wins. Xavi Hernández's team has scored 17 goals and conceded just two, putting them two points clear of Alavés. This Saturday they visit 11th-placed Levante, a match for which Frenkie de Jong, Roony Bardghji, Eric García, and Jesse Bisiwu will remain sidelined, according to the club's injury report.
What the return to the 1:1 rule means
The 1:1 rule allows Barcelona to register players for a value equivalent to what it saves or earns, with no additional restrictions. Javier Gómez explained that the club has overcome its economic difficulties, increased its income, and recovered losses, enabling it to reach this limit. "Barcelona has one billion in revenue. It has payment capacity and can improve its conditions," stated Tebas. The LaLiga president sought to nuance the narrative about the club's debt, pointing out that the key is its ability to generate cash to manage it.
How the limit increase was achieved
The jump in the salary limit is the result of a restructuring plan that included asset sales and cost optimization. Gómez detailed that increased revenue, loss recovery, and better debt management have been key. Tebas added context to the often-cited debt figures. "I often read that Barcelona has however many millions in debt, the important thing is also the income and the payment capacity you have for that debt. You have to look at that situation properly," he declared.
The impact on the club's immediate future
With the 1:1 rule active, Barcelona's sporting direction can plan the transfer market with greater freedom to strengthen the first-team squad. This more solid financial framework coincides with the planned return to the Montjuïc stadium next season, where ticket sales are already performing well. Activating other revenue streams at the new stadium will be another pillar for maintaining this long-term stability. The team, which can check its full schedule, now faces a period of consolidation both on and off the pitch.
LaLiga's confirmation lays the groundwork for Barcelona to solidify its sporting project with solvency. The next challenge is the match against Levante on September 13th, where the team will seek its fifth consecutive league win.
