Details of Pique’s Barcelona contract signed with Bartomeu leaked, more controversy rises

Gerard Pique’s current Barcelona contract continues to generate a good deal of controversy.

After TV journalist Lluis Canut accused Pique alongside Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets of earning colossal money from the club, the player was forced to reveal his account details followed by Barcelona releasing an official statement that declined all the claims made by Canut.

As published by the player himself, he received a payment of roughly €2.3 million in December 2021 corresponding to his 50% wage cut. However, it is uncertain whether these figures represent his monthly or annual wage.

In a recent report by SPORT though, it has been revealed that the centre-back is currently on a €16 million net salary coupled with €7.5 million loyalty rewards and €3.3 million in variables. It is also quoted that the veteran defender will receive a payment of €12 million upon retirement.

Excluding the aforementioned €12 million related to retirement, this report indicates that the 34-year-old defender is currently on a contract which is worth somewhere wound €26.8 million a year.

However, it is important to note that the bonuses will only be applied if he plays at least 30 percent of games in the 2021-22 season and 40 percent in the 2022-23 season.

Pique extended his Barcelona deal back in October 2020 alongside Marc ter Stegen, Clement Lenglet and Frenkie de Jong.

According to the club, his extension saw the defender taking a temporary salary cut and his buy-out clause was set at a whopping €500 million. Pique accepted the deal without hesitation and was, in fact, the first player to put pen to the papers.

Despite taking a cut though, Pique remains one of the club’s highest earners, with Canut, as relayed by AS, putting him at the top of the list. The defender is followed by Sergio Busquets (€23m) and Jordi Alba (€20m).

Meanwhile, Barcelona reduced their wage bill significantly when Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann left the club, with the two players responsible for a combined €156 million salary. After Coutinho’s departure and Umtiti’s extension, the club has now managed to achieve a stable economic footing.