Two Barcelona Players Asked To Take Pay Cuts Amidst Spending Spree

Barcelona's spending shows no sign of slowing down this summer but two senior players are still being asked to take a pay cut.

Having already signed Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Franck Kessie, Barca are still on the lookout for more players.

They've even been linked with a £67 million move for Trent Alexander-Arnold, all despite the fact they haven't yet registered any of their new signings.

The club are also desperate to get rid of players, with Frenkie de Jong's long transfer saga still dragging as they won't pay him the £17 million they owe the midfielder, and Martin Braithwaite also holding out for what's owed.

Now they're trying another measure to try and save money, and therefore be able to register the new players, asking for yet more pay cuts.

Players have been taking pay cuts since the 2020 Covid disruption for the Catalan giants and, according to 90min, they've asked both Sergio Busquets and Gerard Pique, the club captain and vice captain, to take them again.

Pique and Busquets are being asked to take pay cuts again. Image: Alamy

Last summer Pique's 'significant' pay cut directly led to new signings Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia and Rey Manaj being able to be registered for the season.

The gesture was enough for the club to specifically thank the World Cup winner for helping them out, in case his commitment to the cause was under question.

Back in June it was claimed that the 35-year-old was told by the club that he was no longer needed, something he didn't take too well.

Since then they have added Kounde and Christensen, and other defenders have also been linked, but he is still set to be part of Xavi's side.

It hasn't been a great few months for the Spain international, having also broken up with long time girlfriend Shakira, something he's clearly not over if his music tastes are anything to go by.

Pique playing in pre season. Image: Alamy

Busquets is still likely to be a key player for the team next season, despite turning 34 this summer and the addition of Kessie from AC Milan.

The form of Gavi and Pedri means that Barca's midfield should be pretty settled for years to come but no one can fill the defensive role as well as Busquets right now.