La Liga has released the updated squad cost limits for the 2025-26 season, revealing a setback for FC Barcelona. The Catalan club’s cap has dropped by €112 million compared with the winter update, falling from €463 million to €351 million. The reduction follows the decision by auditors to exclude a €100 million VIP seat lease agreement until the deal is validated.
Despite the cut, Barcelona still hold the second-highest cap in Spain. They sit €24 million ahead of Atlético de Madrid, who are at €327
million after a small increase, yet both trail Real Madrid by a wide margin. Los Blancos lead the league with €761 million, more than double Barça’s figure. Villarreal are in fourth place with €173 million after a rise linked to Champions League qualification.
Barcelona spent comparatively little in the previous transfer market, buying only Joan García at €25 million and Roony Bardghji for €2.5 million. The Catalans sold many fringe players, but they were also forced into the sale of a key player, Iñigo Martínez, to comply with La Liga’s FFP rules.
At the other end of the table, Sevilla remain in difficulty despite a modest improvement to their salary limit. Their cap rose by €21.5 million but still sits at just €22 million, the lowest in the league. Summer sales of Dodi Lukebakio and Loïc Badé were required to ease the pressure, but the Andalusian side are still expected to be over the limit.
The figures underline the widening financial gulf in Spanish football. Real Madrid’s advantage remains decisive, while Barcelona must continue to adapt to reduced resources. For Sevilla and the other clubs at the lower end of the scale, survival will depend on careful management and further player sales.
