Messi Can Buy Eldense but LaLiga's Salary Cap Limits Big-Money Signings

Lionel Messi has agreed a deal in principle to buy 100 per cent of CD Eldense – but strict LaLiga salary cap rules mean he will not be able to simply pour money into big-name signings, even if the takeover is approved by Spain's Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD) after due diligence and contractual checks.

Messi would acquire the entire stake held by majority owner Grupo TH Soluciones. Yet becoming the club's sole owner would not allow him to inject unlimited personal funds into the squad to pay higher wages or finance expensive transfers.

LaLiga's Squad Cost Limit rules would still apply to Eldense, with the club's spending ceiling determined by its audited operational revenue and overall financial position. Any increase in spending would therefore depend on the revenue Eldense can generate.

Spending Limit Covers Wages and Transfer Amortisations

LaLiga applies a mandatory Squad Cost Limit to all clubs in Spain's top two divisions. It covers registered first-team players, as well as the manager, assistant manager and fitness coach, along with reserve and youth squads.

The calculation includes fixed and variable salaries, social security payments, collective bonuses and agent commissions. It also takes into account the annual amortisation of transfer fees. Each club submits a proposed spending limit to LaLiga's Validation Body, which reviews the club's financial information before approving or adjusting the figure.

Because the limit is tied to audited operational revenue and the club's financial position, a new owner cannot increase spending simply by injecting additional money from outside the club.

Messi's profile could also increase Eldense's commercial revenue through new sponsorship and commercial agreements. Such revenue is included in the figures used to calculate the club's Squad Cost Limit.

Interim Coach Replaces Dismissed Barragán

Claudio Barragán was dismissed after CD Eldense collected just two points from their opening four Segunda División matches, with two draws and two defeats. He became the first manager in the Spanish second tier to lose his job during the season.

Former assistant manager Josep Ferrando was appointed interim head coach following Barragán's departure. He will lead the first team alongside the remaining members of Eldense's technical staff, including fitness coach Manolo Sempere, goalkeeper coach Juan Canales, technical assistant Sergio Aracil and technical analyst Manu Aguilera.

Current Squad Relies on Loan Agreements

Eldense's first-team squad includes several players recruited on loan from established Spanish and European clubs. Julien Yanda is on loan from Bayern Munich, while Dinis Rodrigues joined from Napoli. Aingeru Olabarrieta is on loan from Athletic Bilbao, Javier Olaizola from Mallorca and Carlos Guirao from Leganés.

The club has also brought in goalkeeper Ramon Vila and forward Mariano Carmona from Córdoba on loan. Eldense has also loaned players to other clubs.

Defender Óscar Vega has joined Móstoles URJC, while midfielder Boston Billups has moved to Cartagena.

The use of loan agreements gives Eldense access to players from higher-profile clubs without the same financial commitment as permanent transfers.

Depending on the terms of each deal, loans can also reduce the transfer-fee amortisation costs that count towards the club's LaLiga Squad Cost Limit.

Academy Partnership Offers Low-Cost Pathway

Messi's acquisition of UE Cornellà earlier in 2026 gives his wider football operation an established base for youth development in Catalonia. The club's academy has produced players including former Barcelona and Spain defender Jordi Alba.

Cornellà could provide a pathway for young players to develop before progressing into senior football at a higher level. Developing players internally could also reduce Eldense's reliance on expensive transfers.

Transfer fees and their annual amortisation form part of the costs assessed under LaLiga's Squad Cost Limit. Developing players internally can reduce the need for such spending.

The approach would also fit alongside Messi's other investments in youth-focused clubs, including Deportivo LSM in Uruguay and Leones FC in Argentina. However, no formal player-transfer arrangement between Cornellà and Eldense has been announced.