Barcelona's Temporary Return to Estadi Johan Cruyff Planned Amid Camp Nou Delays

As Joan Laporta prepares to begin his fourth term as Barcelona president this summer, he has already begun outlining future plans for the club. Among these is the possibility of the first team temporarily returning to the Estadi Johan Cruyff, their training ground stadium, within the next two seasons, necessitated by the ongoing renovation work at Camp Nou.

The Camp Nou renovation project faces significant delays, currently running 18 months behind schedule with a lengthy completion timeline ahead. The stadium's reopening was initially anticipated for the beginning of this season. However, further setbacks compelled Barcelona to play their first two home matches at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, which has a capacity of only 8,000 spectators, before relocating to Montjuïc. The Estadi Johan Cruyff primarily serves as the home ground for Barca Atletic and Barcelona Femeni.

Laporta Discusses Johan Cruyff Expansion and Temporary Relocation

In an interview with RAC1, Laporta disclosed the possibility of the team returning to the Estadi Johan Cruyff in 2027. While the third tier of Camp Nou is expected to be operational next season, the installation of the new roof is projected to take at least another 18 months. Laporta clarified that Barcelona might have to use the Estadi Johan Cruyff during this roof construction phase. He stated, “The alternative for certain matches while the roof is being installed – starting in the summer of 2027 – is the Johan Cruyff Stadium, for a short period. We want to expand the Johan Cruyff Stadium by 10,000 spectators. The Sant Joan Despi City Council has no objection; we don’t want to go back to Montjuïc.”

Laporta also shared optimistic financial projections, stating, “With the stadium finished, we will reach €450 million euros in revenue; currently, we’re at €125 million. We can already see that reality is exceeding expectations.” He emphasized that these plans are still in their preliminary stages.

Laporta Addresses Lionel Messi's Departure

The departure of Lionel Messi has been a significant point of contention and criticism from Laporta’s presidential rivals. While the Argentine international has expressed a wish to play at Camp Nou once more, it remains uncertain if he would do so under Laporta’s presidency, given reports that Messi and his family hold him responsible for his exit. However, Messi notably remained uninvolved in the recent elections.

Laporta commented on the situation, saying, “I would be absolutely delighted to sort this out. The priority is finishing the stadium. Economic recovery is fundamental. Regarding the more personal and club-related matters, and the club’s fairness, I’m glad [Messi] didn’t take a position in the elections.”

Regarding other key relationships, Laporta mentioned receiving congratulations from La Liga President Javier Tebas. He was unsure whether his Real Madrid counterpart, Florentino Perez, had extended similar well wishes. Laporta also noted that a de-escalation of tension between the two rival clubs remains impossible “while he insists on pursuing the Negreira case.”

Real Madrid and Florentino Perez have intensified their public statements regarding the Negreira case, particularly after Barcelona and Laporta withdrew from the Superleague initiative. Real Madrid is listed as a claimant in the ongoing legal proceedings, which accuse Barcelona of sporting corruption; however, Laporta has consistently denied any wrongdoing by the club.