Barcelona receive major boost as spending limit more than doubles to €426m but is still miles behind La Liga champions Real Madrid

Each club is allocated a spending limit - the maximum amount they can spend on wages and other expenditures such as bonuses - for the 2024-25 campaign. Barcelona have seen their figure more than double, from €204 million (£172m) earlier this year to €426m (£359m), but they still trail rivals Real Madrid by more than €300m.

The new figure represents a significant improvement in Barcelona's financial situation and means they are now closer to being able to sign players more easily, having struggled to register new signings in recent years - including Dani Olmo this summer.

La Liga president Javier Tebas said: "Barca as a club have increased revenue and decreased expenses significantly. They have done a good job."

Reigning champions Real Madrid still have the highest cap in the league at €754m (£636m). Atletico Madrid, previously second, have been overtaken by Barca after seeing their limit set at €310m (£262m). Real Sociedad (€159m/£134m) and Villarreal (€135m/£114m) complete the top five, while Girona's limit hit €94m (£79m) after they qualified for the Champions League for the first time last season.

Barcelona's financial struggles have been well-documented but they appear to be on the road to a healthier position. Hansi Flick's side are flourishing on the pitch as well with four wins from their opening four league games, with a trip to local rivals Girona to come on Sunday.