Barcelona want to sell defender or reduce his wages, meeting with Xavi to discuss future

According to Javi Miguel of AS, Barcelona have not changed their stance with regard to the future of Jordi Alba despite his match-winning heroics against CA Osasuna on Tuesday night. The club intend to either sell him or reduce his wages in the summer.

Alba was the saviour for Barcelona against Osasuna as he scored the only goal of the game to hand them a 1-0 win and take the team closer to the La Liga title.

The 34-year-old left-back has seen his stature within the team decline as he has lost the first-choice spot to Alejandro Balde.

Despite his reduced role, however, Alba has continued in a very professional manner, helping the youngsters at the club while also making valuable contributions on the field when given an opportunity, something that Xavi pointed out after last night’s game.

However, despite the value he adds to the table, Barcelona are apprehensive about his continuity at the club beyond this season.

Due to the deferred salary payments and the incrementing contract he signed under the previous administration, Alba’s wages next season will reportedly rise up to €38 million, making him one of the highest earners at the club.

Given that the Blaugrana are in an iffy situation due to the Financial Fair Play limitations, there is simply no way that they can afford to pay Alba that amount next season.

On top of that, with Inigo Martinez set to arrive, Marcos Alonso will be moved to the left-back position next season, further impacting Alba’s situation. Hence, Barcelona want either to offload him completely or at least reduce his wages.

To that end, a meeting with manager Xavi Hernandez is set to take place once the La Liga title is sealed in the coming weeks. Sports director Jordi Cruyff is also expected to participate in the meeting where Alba will be told the options that he has and asked to make a decision.

The defender has always maintained that he wishes to see out his contract at Barcelona. So, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona convince him to leave or at least reduce his wages so that it does not become an issue for the club.