Barcelona continues to reap financial benefits from a group of former players by retaining partial rights on their future transfers or holding buy-back options. Currently, there are 12 such players whose sales or contract extensions could bring additional revenue to the club. These include promising talents as well as footballers tied to specific contractual clauses favorable to Barcelona.
A standout example is Vitor Roque. In 2025, Barcelona sold 80% of his rights to Palmeiras for a fixed 25.5 million euros plus up to 5 million in variables. The club kept 20% of future transfer rights, with Barcelona receiving 20% if Roque is sold for 30 million euros or more, and 10% if sold for a lesser amount. Additionally, there are performance-based bonuses linked to individual and club achievements, creating further earning opportunities.
Other notable cases include Ez Abde, where Barcelona retains 20% of any future sale following his 2023 transfer to Betis. Initial rights were higher but were adjusted in later dealings linked to the Vitor Roque transaction. Jan Virgili’s transfer to RCD Mallorca involved Barcelona keeping 50% of economic rights plus first refusal and buy-back rights. Pablo Torre’s transfer agreement similarly includes buy-back clauses and a share in future capital gains.
Among defenders, Barcelona still holds economic interests in Sergi Domínguez—transferred to Dinamo Zagreb with 20% future profit rights—and Trilli, who was sold to Valladolid with a retained percentage of his next sale. Eman Kospo, a key player from La Masía’s youth ranks, was transferred to Fiorentina with Barcelona keeping 15% of any future transfer fee.
Maintaining stakes in former players’ transfers is a strategic financial tool for Barcelona, especially critical amid strict salary cap regulations. Like many elite European clubs, Barcelona mitigates financial risks and diversifies income through these retained rights, ensuring additional revenue streams beyond the current squad.
Secondly, buy-back and first-refusal options allow the club to closely monitor and potentially reclaim promising players as their market value develops. This long-term approach underlines Barcelona’s focus on sustainable squad building and talent management.
Finally, these arrangements can play a crucial role in the current transfer cycle by injecting revenue through sales of players with retained rights. This inflow assists the club’s budget balancing efforts while supporting future signings without requiring immediate extra spending.
Therefore, Barcelona’s financial interests in past players provide important leverage and income potential on the transfer market. The upcoming months will be pivotal for converting these retained economic rights into tangible financial gains, and the club must be proactive in tracking and managing offers for these assets.
