Barcelona has formally requested an extension to their lease at the Olympic Stadium in the city, which is currently set to expire at the end of April.
This move is aimed at ensuring the club has a venue for their final two home league games of the season, including the highly anticipated Clásico against Real Madrid scheduled for May 11.
Background on the Situation
The club initially planned to return to their home ground, Spotify Camp Nou, last November. However, due to ongoing renovation work, they confirmed earlier this month that they would not be able to return before May.
The lease at the Olympic Stadium, where they have been playing since 2023, was due to end in April, potentially leaving them without a home ground for their last two league matches.
Development Allowing for Lease Extension
A series of Rolling Stones concerts previously scheduled for the Olympic Stadium had prevented the lease from being renewed.
However, with these concerts now postponed, the path has been cleared for Barcelona to extend their stay. This development also puts to rest speculation that the Clásico might be played abroad, as had been suggested in various reports.
Upcoming Fixtures and Plans
Barcelona is set to host Real Madrid on May 11, followed by a match against Villarreal on May 18, although the exact dates of these fixtures have not been confirmed.
The club has emphasized that while they are seeking to extend their lease at the Olympic Stadium, their primary goal remains to play their games towards the end of the season at Camp Nou.
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Return to Camp Nou and Renovation Plans
When Barcelona finally returns to Camp Nou, the renovation will not be entirely complete. Initially, the stadium’s attendance will be capped at around 60,000 as work continues.
The project is expected to be fully finished by the summer of 2026, with the capacity increased to approximately 105,000, making it the largest in Europe.
Transfer News: Unai Hernández to Al Ittihad
In separate news, Al Ittihad has confirmed the signing of Barcelona’s attacking midfielder Unai Hernández in a deal worth an initial €4.5 million.
The agreement includes potential add-ons of up to €500,000. Hernández has been a standout player for Barcelona’s reserve side, scoring nine goals in 20 appearances in the third tier of Spanish football. His contract with Barcelona was set to expire in the summer, making this transfer a significant development for both clubs.
The request to extend the lease at the Olympic Stadium underscores Barcelona’s commitment to finding a solution to their current venue challenges.
As the club navigates the final stretch of the season, the ability to secure a familiar home ground for critical matches will be crucial.
Meanwhile, the transfer of Unai Hernández to Al Ittihad marks a new chapter in the player’s career and a strategic move for both clubs involved.
