Barcelona’s troubles don’t seem to be reaching a conclusion as the former La Liga champions now face the risk of losing Lionel Messi and their new signings despite having already reached an agreement with the players.
The club’s financial troubles are well documented, but it all comes down to the massive wage bill of the former La Liga champions in the end. The Catalan giants boast of one of Europe’s highest wage bills and have an even higher turnover. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has not spared Barcelona as the massive wage bill of the Blaugrana backfired big time.
It is understood that the Spanish giants have exceeded the salary cap set by La Liga by a massive £170 million and must now sell some of the highest earners in the squad this summer if they are to keep Messi and their new signings.
Luckily for the Blaugrana, some of the highest earners in the line-up are those who hardly play or have fallen down the pecking order. Miralem Pjanic, Samuel Umtiti, and Philippe Coutinho are some of the highest earners in the squad and were hardly used by Ronald Koeman, with Coutinho battling a knee problem for the most part of the season.
Griezmann is the highest earner at Barcelona, as it stands. Barcelona would have no real problem if they decide to part ways with the French international as Aguero, Depay, and a fit Ansu Fati provide the attacking depth needed for the manager. Moreover, Griezmann will have a difficult time as he will have to fight for minutes. Fati is expected to be a sure starter in the XI as Barcelona look to groom him.
“Barcelona are facing uncertain times but they will be able to solve their problems because they have the highest turnover in the world. When they get back to normal turnover, they will have restructured their debt and reduced their wage bill.
“For each euro they want to use for signups, they have to save €4. For example, if the players that Barca have signed, [Sergio] Aguero and others, are going to cost €50m for the next season, it means €200m must be saved, either by transfers or by reducing the wage bill.”
La Liga president Javier Tebas said.
Speaking about Messi’s contract situation, he opined that it would be impossible for Barcelona to sign him on his existing terms. Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with the Argentine, but the Tebas’ understanding of the situation is neither of them will be able to afford the player this summer.
