Barcelona’s Camp Nou Return Delayed Again: Uncertainty Looms Over Next Season
FC Barcelona’s long-anticipated return to Spotify Camp Nou has hit yet another roadblock as it seems they will not be moving back to their historic ground this season.
According to multiple reports, the club has now abandoned any hope of playing at their original home this season, with doubts even creeping in over whether the stadium will be ready for the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
A timeline of delays
Barcelona bid farewell to Camp Nou in the summer of 2023, following their La Liga title-winning season under Xavi Hernández. The historic stadium was closed for renovations as part of the ambitious Espai Barça project, which aims to transform it into a modern, 105,000-capacity footballing cathedral.
Initially, the club had targeted a return in November 2024 to coincide with its 125th anniversary. When that deadline passed, hopes shifted towards February 2025. However, as construction delays mounted, a new date was suggested: late April, in time for a potential Champions League semi-final, or even the highly anticipated El Clásico against Real Madrid in early May.
Now, even that possibility has been ruled out. According to SPORT journalist David Bernabéu, the option of hosting any home matches at Camp Nou this season is "completely closed."
What’s holding up the project?
The primary reason for the delay is the slow progress on constructing the third tier of the stadium, which is incompatible with hosting matches. Barcelona had originally planned to open Camp Nou to 60,000 spectators with just the lower two tiers completed. However, after reviewing logistical and safety concerns, the club decided that allowing fans in while major structural work is still ongoing is not a viable option.
The latest setback is also tied to changes in the construction process. Rather than relying entirely on Turkish company Limak, which was awarded the main contract, Barcelona have subcontracted the construction of VIP boxes and the director’s area to local firms. These projects are set to begin within the next couple of weeks, with an estimated completion time of three months—another sign that the stadium will not be ready before the summer.
Looking ahead, Barcelona now plan to complete the full seating structure before reopening the stadium, with the installation of the roof pushed back to the summer of 2026.
Financial and sporting consequences
The continued exile at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys presents significant financial and sporting challenges. Barcelona had expected a revenue boost from ticket sales at Camp Nou this season and even sold season tickets for a second-half-of-the-season return that will no longer materialise.
From a financial standpoint, missing out on matchday income from a partially reopened Camp Nou is a major blow. The club’s budget for the season had factored in increased stadium revenue, and this delay could further limit their flexibility in the upcoming summer transfer window—creating additional headaches for Director of Football Deco.
On the pitch, Hansi Flick’s side will have to continue playing at Montjuïc, where the atmosphere and logistical issues have been a persistent concern for both players and fans. While the temporary home has seen some memorable nights, it lacks the imposing presence and history of Camp Nou.
Will Camp Nou Be Ready for Next Season?
Perhaps the most worrying aspect of this latest development is that Barcelona’s return for the start of the 2025/26 season is also in doubt. With the third tier yet to be built, there is no definitive guarantee that the stadium will be match-ready in time for next season’s opening fixtures.
UEFA has reportedly asked the club for an update on the situation by March 31, as the governing body needs clarity on whether the stadium will be available for European competitions next season. If further delays arise, Barcelona may be forced to extend their stay at Montjuïc for a second full campaign—a scenario that would have been unthinkable when the project was first announced.
Barcelona’s dream of returning to Camp Nou has once again been put on hold, with uncertainty still lingering over when fans will finally be able to watch their team at their spiritual home.
For now, Barça must adapt to their continued stay at Montjuïc and hope that the wait for Camp Nou’s grand reopening does not stretch beyond the start of the 2025/26 season.