Barcelona may not be directly involved in the transfer, but the club is still set to benefit financially thanks to one of football’s smartest regulations.
According to reports, the Catalan giants will receive approximately €1.35 million from Marc Cucurella’s transfer to Real Madrid despite the player having left the club years ago.
😱 Yes, you read that correctly.
Barcelona are not selling the player.
Barcelona do not own the player.
Yet Barcelona are still earning money from the deal.
The reason lies in FIFA’s solidarity mechanism, a system designed to reward clubs that helped develop players during their formative years.
⚽ The rule ensures that when a professional footballer is transferred internationally, a percentage of the transfer fee is distributed among the clubs that contributed to his training between certain ages.
For Barcelona, that means their famous academy continues generating revenue long after players have moved on.
🔥 Cucurella is a perfect example.
The Spanish international spent crucial years developing at the renowned La Masia academy before eventually beginning his professional journey elsewhere.
Although his career later took him away from Camp Nou, Barcelona’s investment in his development continues to pay off.
Now, thanks to another major transfer involving the defender, money is once again flowing into the club’s accounts.
💎 This is precisely why La Masia remains one of football’s most valuable institutions.
The academy does not only produce elite players for Barcelona’s first team—it also creates long-term financial benefits that can continue for years or even decades.
Every successful academy graduate who secures a significant transfer can potentially generate additional income for the club.
😮 For many supporters, this latest payment serves as another reminder of the importance of youth development.
While transfer fees and superstar signings dominate headlines, investing in young talent often delivers rewards both on and off the pitch.
Barcelona have built much of their modern success on that philosophy.
🏆 From producing world-class stars to generating future transfer revenue, the academy continues to prove its worth.
And while the amount may represent only a small fraction of a major transfer, receiving over a million euros without actively participating in negotiations is still excellent business.
🔵🔴 Once again, La Masia shows why it remains one of the greatest football academies in the world.
A player leaves.
Years pass.
Another transfer happens.
And Barcelona still find a way to benefit.
That’s the power of developing elite talent. 💰🔥👏
