Barcelona expected to make a cool £1.5 million-a-year from their proposed MLS franchise. Marca says Miami proposal is expected to generate profits of US$8-9 million annually and with Barca owning 30 per cent, it would mean a £1.5 million share.

But there are other major benefits. The first is to position the Barca brand in the United States and for the club to become more global.

Barca directors are convinced that once established in the MLS, the club will be much more attractive to sponsors. And that means more millions of profit.

The franchise in Miami is ideal as there is a huge presence of Hispanics from different countries. This franchise a few years ago was worth US$2 million dollars and now is worth US$40 million.