On the occasion of an extraordinary meeting of FC Barcelona on Saturday morning, the president of the Catalan club Joan Laporta welcomed the new XXL contract negotiated with the equipment manufacturer Nike. For the Barça boss, this is the biggest deal in history with an equipment manufacturer. An agreement which should allow the people of Barcelona to confirm their return to the top of world football.
Barça is smiling again. Liga leader tied on points with Atlético de Madrid before the clash between the two teams this Saturday evening, FC Barcelona is also in better financial health. In any case, this is the message sent by its president Joan Laporta at the opening of the extraordinary meeting of the club. A meeting to confirm the renewal of the contract with Nike, the Blaugrana's equipment supplier since 1998.
The new deal will end in 2038 and could bring in the sum of 1.7 billion euros to the club with five Champions League victories. AS mentions a signing bonus of 150 million and bonuses depending on titles or penalties if the club does not achieve certain objectives for the men's and women's teams.
“This agreement strengthens Barça’s return to the forefront of the world and its leadership”
This deal in any case brings happiness to the Catalan club, which has been in the red for a long time financially. It allows Joan Laporta to puff out his chest this Saturday morning at the opening of the club's extraordinary meeting: “This agreement contributes to the economic recovery of the club. It is the best economic agreement in history with an equipment manufacturer. It was one of the priorities since 2021.”
Although the deal was announced a month ago, the discussions between the two parties were very complicated. The Barcelona president acknowledged that relations with the American firm have sometimes been tense. He spoke of “conflicts” and admitted having called a “mediator” to try to find common ground. “It’s a new relationship after a loss of mutual trust,” he said.
With the contribution of these significant revenues, FC Barcelona, one of the major absentees from the future Club World Cup next summer, is starting to dream again: “This agreement strengthens Barça's return to the front line on the global plan and its leadership”, warns Joan Laporta. It’s up to Robert Lewandowski’s partners to confirm on the ground.
Aurélien Brossier Journalist RMC Sport
