With FC Barcelona’s return to Camp Nou imminent, the club’s president Joan Laporta is reportedly set to make a move that will serve as a crowning moment for the upgraded arena.
The Spanish giants finally welcomed fans back to Camp Nou, as the venue opened its doors for an open training session, allowing the club to test access points, security, lighting, and overall functionality.
The next step is hosting a competitive match after the international break, with 45,401 seats available in this partial reopening.
However, Laporta is already thinking about the next couple of years, making moves that will open Camp Nou to the rest of Europe.
Laporta aims high for new Camp Nou
Laporta is pushing beyond construction milestones, and he already sent a message to UEFA that he wants the new Camp Nou to host a Champions League final, per Spanish outlet Madrid-Barcelona.
Barcelona, through the RFEF, has formally submitted its bid to host the 2029 final. The club chose not to push for 2028, preferring certainty that the renovated stadium will be fully operational.
UEFA confirmed that 15 federations expressed interest in hosting finals for both 2028 and 2029, with Camp Nou positioned as Spain’s standout candidate.
Camp Nou construction continues
While Laporta is making moves at UEFA, vice president Elena Fort confirmed that full completion of the Camp Nou is still years away, with the massive roof system expected to be installed before the second half of 2027.
Limak Construction’s project has fallen roughly a year behind schedule. Despite delays, the club insists the focus is quality over speed.
Barcelona wishes for the project to develop quicker. However, the partial reopening signals that meaningful progress is finally visible.
FGG Says
Laporta views the renovation as more than a structural rebuild, a symbolic rebirth for the club and the city, and wanting the Champions League final is the right move, as it will help the new Camp Nou to reclaim its place as the centre of European football.