By Andrew Warshaw
July 31 – Barcelona may have had one of their worst seasons in recent years by their own high standards – having not won a single trophy – but the Catalan giants have still managed to post record revenues and their second highest profit ever.
Financial results for the 2013-14 season show revenues of €530 million, the first time they have succeeded €500 million, with net profits hitting €41 million compared to the previous €32 million.
On the pitch as well as contracting new coach Luis Enrique, Barca have gained in depth by signing Luis Suarez even though the Uruguayan will be unable to start scoring until October because of his current suspension.
But the latest figures prove that a club the size of the Catalan giants can still rake in the money through commercial and sponsorship deals even if they have a blip. Vice president Javier Faus said: “We are much stronger and we feel we have a greater presence around the world than we did four years ago.”
Over the past four years, Barcelona have accrued €113 million in profits and reduced their net debt of €431 million in 2010 by €143 million, down to the current figure of €287 million which is no doubt higher than UEFA would ideally like to see but is still moving in the right direction. The club has meanwhile moved up to second on the Forbes list of most valuable clubs.
“We have grown more than any other club in the world and we are the only club with so much potential to improve our contracts. That will help to reinforce our global presence,” said Faus.
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