Barcelona confirm final Camp Nou return decision | OneFootball

Barcelona have informed supporters that they will not be returning to their famous Camp Nou home this season.

Renovation work began on the stadium in the summer of 2023 and the initial goal was to be able to return before the end of 2024, but delays in construction work have seen that date repeatedly pushed back.

In October 2024, Barcelona announced a plan to return for the second half of the current season, with a target for February later revealed, but it soon became clear that major aspects of the entire operation were well behind schedule as work on emergency exits and the pitch itself was nowhere near completion.

There were significant concerns over Barcelona's remaining home games as their license with their temporary home, Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, did not initially cover all games until the end of the season, and so the La Liga giants had to chase an entirely new agreement to cover themselves if Camp Nou was not ready at all this season.

The Athletic report that lease has been secured and Barcelona have informed all its members that they will remain away from Camp Nou until the end of the campaign.

The entire stadium project is not due to be completed until June 2026, but Barcelona hope to return for the start of next season and play with a reduced capacity while the outstanding work is finished.

The Lluis Companys, in Montjuic, has a capacity of 55,926, but the new Camp Nou, which is expected to cost a total of €900m, will boast a capacity of around 105,000, the majority of which is hoped to be available to fans by the start of next season.

As a result, Barcelona could end up winning a 28th La Liga crown away from their iconic home, with an enthralling title race involving rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid set to go down to the wire. Hansi Flick's side are currently top of the table, ahead of Real on goal difference with a game in hand - the two clash in a potentially season-defining Clasico on the weekend of 10th/11th May.