Back in October of 2013, Gerard Pique discussed Real Madrid‘s transfer planning and the Barcelona centre-back pointed out the difference between Los Blancos and the Blaugrana.
He claimed that his club couldn’t and wouldn’t spend as much as their rivals from the Spanish capital.
Almost a decade after his comments were made public, Barcelona have been particularly active in the 2022 summer transfer window, signing players such as Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde and Raphinha despite their financial issues.
“Real Madrid go one year without winning titles and they spend 160 million on three players,” Pique told European Sports Media at the time, referring to Asier Illarramendi, Isco and Gareth Bale.
“Barcelona can’t do that. We know we are different because we can compete with them without having to spend that money.
“Obviously, we can sign Neymar for 60m or 70m euros, but not three or four players.
“We are not a poor club, but we are competing with the richest club of all.”
This year, Barcelona have spent an estimated 150m euros, plus another 25m euros in variables to sign the aforementioned players.
