Barcelona land €44m injection from Congolese government in boost to Joan Garcia registration hopes

Barcelona have announced a four-year sponsorship agreement worth a reported €44 million (£37m/$48m) with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The deal, signed on June 29, includes annual payments of €11m (£9m/$12m) and will see a logo reading "R.D. Congo - Coeur d'Afrique" on the back of the men’s and women’s training and warm-up shirts, as well as in club advertising, their magazine and annual report. The agreement follows similar partnerships between the DRC and Monaco and AC Milan.

This sponsorship comes during a critical period for Barcelona, who remain under pressure from La Liga’s financial fair play rules. The club are currently outside the 1:1 spending ratio and are seeking to generate extra funds so they can register new signings such as Joan Garcia. The €44m cash injection aids compliance with La Liga regulations, directly impacting their plans for Garcia and potentially other players needing registration this summer.

A statement from the club read: "FC Barcelona, through the Barca Academies system, will create and develop a program of sports activities - including camps and clinics - aimed at children in the region to encompass structured and inclusive development across several key disciplines: Football, Basketball, Handball, Futsal, and Roller Hockey. In addition, from the Barca Innovation Hub (BIHUB), will develop specific programs for adults, deploying coach training careers that will nurture talent and expand the knowledge of these professionals under the Barca methodology on the following topics: Advanced Technical Training, Age-Group Sports Structuring, Sports Science Integration and Joint Organization of Sporting Events and Clinics."

Barcelona are likely to receive a further financial boost due to Marc-Andre ter Stegen's surgery. Their report to La Liga will insist he is expected to be out for around four months, which will free up part of his salary that can be allocated to a replacement.

Barcelona expect to officially unveil the DRC sponsorship shortly, pending the arrival and verification of funds. After they complete their tour of Asia, Hansi Flick's side will prepare for the Joan Gamper Trophy clash against Como and then their opening La Liga game of the season against Mallorca on August 16.