Mateu Alemany, the director of football of Barcelona, made it quite clear to the members’ assembly last Sunday that the club was working to sever some contracts that had a significant influence on the pay bill and were categorically not those of sellable players.
Laporta’s harsh rebuke of the captains for refusing to reduce their pay
When he mentioned that some players had refused to have their salary reduced, he did not specifically name any players, and neither did president Joan Laporta. All parties agree that one of them is Gerard Pique, though.
In order to free up space in their pay cap, the club has been seeking for methods to sell Pique. They attempted it last season, but were unsuccessful because Pique was adamant about sticking with the same deal due to a LaLiga regulation that forbids future contract reductions or deferrals.
The Manager Intervene
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Also stepping in was Xavi Hernandez. He spoke with the player at the conclusion of the previous campaign to make it clear that he will not be regarded as an indisputable starter. Pique agreed to the task after Xavi made it clear that he would have to prove himself this season as the team’s fifth-choice center-back.
The team is still set on cutting him loose at the end of the campaign, though. They are aware that the two sides have a signed contract, which Pique is free to keep as he has so far.
Laporta remarked during the assembly, “We accept it sportingly, knowing that the law protects the athletes.” But there are other strategies you might use to get him to quit the club.
New Center back
The team informed Pique in the summer that they would bring in defenders like Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen. To bolster the team, the club will add another center-back in 2023. This results in Pique being the sixth choice, which is a challenging circumstance to take.
The club has not made this decision as a result of his subpar performance against Inter. The route map had been created in the past and wouldn’t be altered until Pique delivered a strong performance.
Nevertheless, he took the field against Inter despite the absence of three center backs due to injuries. It is true that he had an excellent chance to show that the club was choosing incorrectly by signing him, but he chose not to take advantage of it.
Initial choice: Inigo Martinez
For some time, the team has been hunting for a new center-back. Inigo Martnez of Athletic Club is the person at the top of their list. When Kounde’s move appeared uncertain this summer, Barcelona wanted to sign him.
They didn’t do it, but his contract with Athletic expires the following summer. Due to their financial difficulties, Barcelona has been searching the market for free agents, and Martinez would be a good alternative to bolster their defense.