Matheus Fernandes’ transfer to Barcelona has been one of the most peculiar instances of business undertaken by the club. The Brazilian’s transfer to the Catalonian club was finalized in the last hours of the 2020 winter transfer window, while Fernandes himself arrived at the end of September after completing a loan phase at Real Valladolid.
He was offered a contract for 5 years with a wage of €5 million per year, and cost the club a transfer fee amounting to €7 million, while a further €3 million were promised in add-ons to Brazilian club Palmeiras. Many of the club’s faithful and even neutral critics were skeptical of this high figure paid for a player who was not expected to contribute much to the club in any way.
The concerns of these skeptic viewers were justified in the long run as Fernandes’ only managed a total of 17 minutes on the pitch in Barcelona colors. This appearance too came in a Champions League tie against Dynamo Kyiv, which was already decided when Fernandes was subbed in due to the 4-goal advantage the Blaugrana club held over their rivals.
In June 2021, Fernandes’ contract with Barcelona was terminated by the club, after which he returned to Palmeiras, and later joined Red Bull Bragantino on loan.
The player had also sued the club for this unilateral termination of his contract, and specifically for unfair dismissal. Recent reports now suggest that the player has convinced a local court about his case, and is set to be awarded an €8.5 million compensation amount from the club.
Unless Barcelona appeal against this decision, this will certainly pile up more pressure on the board which is already struggling with the management of the club’s finances.
