World-class stadium looks unrecognisable as iconic walls are torn down just six weeks after last game

BARCELONA’S iconic home looks totally unrecognisable as work on revamping the Nou Camp continues.

The Spanish giants are pressing ahead with plans to modernise their stadium.

And the latest pictures from the work have shown the walls of the ground being torn down to rubble.

The project – set to cost a cool a £1.25billion – is aiming to finish the refurbishment of the stadium in time for the start of the 2025/26 season.

The development will see the capacity expanded from 99,354 seats to 105,000, increasing its gap as the largest football ground in Europe – with second place Wembley having a 90,000 capacity.

It will also see a roof added alongside a stadium rename in line with the club’s £237million sponsorship deal with Spotify.

As many as 250 workers have been seen on site in recent weeks, with even more expected soon.

The construction is the first major renovation of the stadium since it opened in 1957.

The Nou Camp hosted its last LaLiga game as recently as six weeks ago – a 3-0 win over Mallorca.

Barcelona announced in July 2022 they would play their 2023/24 home matches at the Olympic Stadium.

BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK

Fortunately, the ground – which hosted the 1992 summer Olympic and Paralympic games – is only a short hop across the city and has a capacity of 55,926.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta visited the site himself along with several board members last month.

Speaking to Spanish media, he said: “It is an impact, and the first sensation it generates is nostalgia.

“But, after walking around and seeing the pace of the works, which are going well, it gives you the feeling of hope and joy because we are fulfilling a collective dream of the people of Barcelona.”

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and confirmed switches from the world of football