At A Glance
- Stadium Plan: FC Barcelona want to secure Montjuïc for a large part of the 2027/28 season.
- Reason: Final Camp Nou works — especially roof installation — will force a temporary exit.
- Timeline: Construction phase could last 4–5 months, with additional delays possible.
Barcelona are already planning ahead for a crucial phase of the Espai Barça project. The club is aiming to secure the use of the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys at Montjuïc for a significant part of the 2027/28 season.
According to SER Catalunya, the club has initiated discussions with the city council to ensure availability of the stadium. They’re anticipating that they’ll once again need to vacate the Spotify Camp Nou during the final stages of construction.
Camp Nou Works Force Temporary Exit
The key reason behind this plan is the installation of the new Spotify Camp Nou roof. It’s one of the most complex phases of the renovation project. This process is expected to begin in June 2027 and could last between four and five months.
However, the timeline does not end there. Once the roof is installed, further inspections, safety approvals, and technical checks will be required before the stadium can fully reopen. This means the total period away from Camp Nou could extend beyond initial estimates.
As a result, Barcelona must prepare a reliable alternative venue for both La Liga and Champions League matches.
Montjuïc Emerges as the Only Viable Option
While the Estadi Johan Cruyff has been considered in the past, it’s not viewed as a realistic long-term solution. Its limited capacity would significantly reduce matchday revenue. Furthermore, it prevents the club from accommodating the majority of its supporters.
Montjuïc, on the other hand, offers a much higher capacity and has already served as Barcelona’s temporary home in recent seasons. This makes it the most practical option — despite not being the preferred venue for fans.
The club has not yet made a formal reservation, but discussions are underway to ensure availability and avoid being left without a stadium during that period.
Financial Implications and Long-Term Vision
The decision is not just logistical – it’s also financial. Barcelona are fully aware that playing in a smaller venue would result in a major drop in revenue, something the club cannot afford given its current financial situation.
Looking ahead, the fully renovated Camp Nou is expected to significantly boost income. The club estimates that once the stadium is completed and fully operational, it could generate up to €350 million annually through matchday and commercial activities.
This long-term vision explains why Barcelona are willing to accept another temporary relocation – prioritising the completion of a project that is central to the club’s financial recovery.
Gradual Return Before Final Exit
Before this temporary move, Barcelona are planning a phased reopening of Camp Nou. The third tier will be opened in stages during the 2026/27 season, gradually increasing capacity toward the full 105,000 seats by the end of that campaign.
However, just as the stadium reaches near completion, the final roof installation will require the team to leave once again. This creates a unique situation where the club returns briefly before another temporary departure.
Strategic Planning Already Underway
Barcelona’s proactive approach highlights the complexity of the Espai Barça project. Rather than reacting late, the club is already working to secure solutions well in advance — ensuring continuity in both sporting and financial terms.
The plan is clear:
- Complete Camp Nou completely
- Avoid revenue loss
- Maintain competitive stability
A Necessary Sacrifice
For Barcelona, a return to Montjuïc is far from ideal – but it might be necessary.
The club is entering the final stretch of its stadium transformation, and short-term inconvenience is being accepted in exchange for long-term gain.
If all goes to plan, the 2027/28 season could mark the final step before Barcelona fully return to a completed, modernised Camp Nou – ready to redefine the club’s future both on and off the pitch.
