Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is reportedly considering a **€10 billion bid to acquire a stake in Spanish football giant Barcelona**, according to Francois Gallardo of El Chiringuito.
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The potential investment aligns with **Saudi Arabia’s strategy to expand its influence in global sports**, either through direct acquisitions or via the **Public Investment Fund (PIF)**. Analysts say Barcelona’s **debt exceeding €2.5 billion** makes the club an attractive target for substantial financial backing.
Gallardo revealed that the proposed €10 billion deal could, in theory, give the Crown Prince total control of the club. However, **Barcelona’s unique governance structure** presents a major challenge. The club is owned by its **socios (members)**, who hold authority over key decisions and have historically resisted foreign takeovers.
He further explained that while the PIF could invest if Barcelona separates its **entertainment operations from sporting activities**, such a move would **not grant operational control over the football team** itself. A similar strategy is reportedly under consideration at **Real Madrid**, where club president Florentino Perez has explored splitting the footballing and commercial arms to allow external investment in the business side of the club.
Experts suggest that any Saudi involvement in Barcelona would likely focus on **entertainment and commercial ventures**, rather than football operations, limiting the scope of influence.
While the **€10 billion valuation underscores the scale of the potential investment**, a full acquisition remains highly unlikely due to Barcelona’s **socio membership model**. Observers note that this move reflects broader **Middle Eastern investment trends in European football**, highlighting a strategic effort to gain exposure to high-profile sporting institutions while navigating complex ownership structures.
