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Barcelona ‘open’ to 55,000-seater stadium return during key stage of £1.2bn Camp Nou redevelopment

Barcelona ‘open’ to 55,000-seater stadium return during key stage of £1.2bn Camp Nou redevelopment
View inside the Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona - Photo via IMAGO / Sergio Ros

Barcelona are keeping their options open as work continues on the redevelopment of the iconic Camp Nou.

A potential temporary return to a familiar stadium could now come into play during a crucial phase of the project.

Barcelona could return to playing games at Montjuïc Stadium amid Camp Nou update

Barcelona are ‘open' to a possible return to the Estadi Olimpic Lluís Companys (Montjuic Stadium) as part of contingency plans during the ongoing £1.2 billion redevelopment of Spotify Camp Nou.

The club’s current timeline suggests the renovated Camp Nou will reach full seating capacity by April 2027, with sections of the third tier opening in phases as construction progresses.

However, a key complication remains, as the installation of the new stadium roof, which is expected to take at least four months and could require all football activity at the ground to pause, per Mundo Deportivo.

View inside the Olimpic Stadium Lluis Companys of Montjuic
View inside the Olimpic Stadium Lluis Companys of Montjuic – Photo via IMAGO / Sergio Ros

Barcelona’s preferred solution is to use the Johan Cruyff Stadium at their Sant Joan Despi training base during that period.

But with a significantly smaller capacity, the club are also weighing up whether expanding that venue, at a reported cost of €14 million (£12 million), would be worthwhile.

As a result, a return to Montjuic, which holds around 55,000 spectators, remains a live option, with the club expected to open discussions with the local council to secure availability if required.

The decision will likely depend on scheduling, financial considerations, and the sporting calendar, particularly at the start of the 2027/28 season.

FGG says: Montjuic backup stadium makes sense for Barcelona

This is a classic case of a major stadium redevelopment colliding with the practical demands of a football season.

Barcelona clearly want to prioritise a smooth and complete transformation of Camp Nou, but the roof installation creates an unavoidable disruption.

While the Johan Cruyff Stadium offers control and convenience, the financial trade-off of reduced capacity is significant for a club of Barcelona’s size.

That’s why keeping Montjuic as a backup makes sense, as it offers scale, familiarity, and a proven matchday solution.

Ultimately, this is less about uncertainty and more about smart planning, ensuring the redevelopment stays on track without compromising too heavily on revenue or competitive performance.

Lewis joined as News and Features Editor in July 2025, having previously held senior roles at Snack Media and GRV Media. A passionate follower of sport, in particular football and golf, as well as a proud Aldershot Town supporter, he brings over six years of experience in the digital sports publishing space.

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