The Catalans are struggling with financial issues due to their bloated wage bill.
Severe economic issues have forced Barcelona to activate three ‘financial levers’ so far this summer.
Each contract enables Barcelona to raise extra funds by selling a portion of their properties or image rights. In order to register their new signings, Barcelona are also pushing to reduce their wage bills by selling a number of their first-team players.
Philippe Coutinho and Riqui Puig are among eight Barca players who have left the club on permanent transfers this summer. The Catalans are also pushing to sell the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Samuel Omtiti, and Memphis Depay before the transfer window’s deadline.
Highest weekly wages at Barcelona
Let’s take a look at Barca’s bloated wage list ahead of the new La Liga season.
# | Player | Weekly Salary |
1 | Frenkie de Jong | €560,962 |
2 | Sergio Busquets | €423,077 |
3 | Jordi Alba | €400,577 |
4 | Robert Lewandowski | €360,577 |
5 | Miralem Pjanič | €300,385 |
6 | Ansu Fati | €268,269 |
7 | Ousmane Dembele | €264,423 |
8 | Frank Kessie | €260,385 |
9 | Raphinha | €240,385 |
10 | Jules Kounde | €240,385 |
A fourth lever?
In recent days reports have emerged of Barcelona’s decision to activate a new financial lever.
According to the Athletic, GDA Luma are close to purchasing a quarter of Barca Studios for €100m.
The new contract will most likely enable Barcelona to avoid selling Frenkie de Jong this summer. The Dutchman is reportedly owed €17m by Barcelona, which has been the main stumbling block in his transfer to Manchester United.