Manel del Río is no longer the director general of FC Barcelona. His departure, agreed by mutual consent, comes exactly one year after he took up the role in September 2025, leaving a key position vacant in the club's structure.
The executive communicated his decision to president Joan Laporta and presented his resignation to the Management Committee on Monday. Del Río, who was previously financial director, took on the general manager role after more than three years without a chief executive following Ferran Reverter's exit in 2022. "The departure has been agreed by mutual consent," explained del Río, who also noted that his "great work" during his five years at the club is recognised.
Financial reshuffle
His exit is part of a broader reshuffle of the economic area. Marcel Ramírez, the former financial director, left the club after the last transfer window. To cover that function, the club has appointed Sergio Serrano, from Banco Sabadell, who joined in June and has studied Barcelona's complex financial situation. Serrano recently presented the financial closing numbers and next season's budget to the Assembly of Delegates.
The club needs an additional injection of 210 million euros to address treasury tensions stemming from delays in the Espai Barça works and interest payments. The Assembly of Delegates recently approved a request for a 300 million euro loan to complete these works, after the club had regained LaLiga's financial fair play status.
Sporting context
This boardroom movement occurs while the team is enjoying a brilliant moment on the pitch. Barcelona leads LaLiga with 21 points after seven matchdays, with a perfect record of seven wins. The latest was a 1-3 victory in Sevilla on 19 September, featuring a hat-trick from Raphinha. The team is on a run of five consecutive wins and prepares to host Getafe on 10 October.
The team has scored 18 goals across these seven wins, averaging 2.6 goals per game, and maintains a strong run of five consecutive victories. To follow their progress, check the upcoming fixtures and the detailed team stats.
For now, the director general position will remain vacant. The club is looking for an external candidate, though an internal promotion is not ruled out. Ferran Olivé, the economic vice-president, and the board continue working on stabilising the club's finances, a process that continues as the team strings together victories.
First reported at Mundo Deportivo
The club confirmed that the departure of Manel del Río, agreed months ago, was formalized after the delegate assembly two weeks ago. Sources at Barça told this outlet that "We are starting with a new financial direction to face a new stage". While the general manager position remains vacant, Sergio Serrano, financial director since June, will assume most of its functions. This internal shift occurs as the team leads LaLiga with 21 points and a five-game winning streak.
