Barcelona did not discuss salary reduction with veteran star in yesterday’s meeting – Romano

Last night, Gerard Romero reported that Barcelona defender Jordi Alba had met with club president Joan Laporta where the veteran’s future was discussed.

It was suggested that Barça informed Alba that he will need to take a 60% pay cut and agree to a wage deferral for two years if he wishes to continue at the club beyond this season.

However, according to the latest update from Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona and Alba did not hold any discussions about a salary reduction during their meeting on Tuesday evening.

While the Catalans’ ultimate aim remains to reduce his wages, at this point there have been no concrete negotiations held over that possibility between the two parties.

Alba’s current contract with Barcelona runs until 2024. Due to past deferred wages and his incremental contract, the veteran left-back will be owed in excess of €30 million in salary for next season.

It is why the Blaugrana are considering the possibility of either mutually terminating his contract or agreeing a pay cut with the 34-year-old.

Alba, however, is clear that he wishes to see out the remainder of his contract with the club. As such, he will have to agree to a pay cut if he is firm on that stance and also settle for a reduced role given that Alejandro Balde is he undisputed starter at left-back now.

As per Romano, there was no discussion about reducing his salary during Tuesday’s meeting, but that remains the club’s main objective.

With Barcelona needing to slash around €200 million from their wage bill and generate fresh income to meet La Liga’s Fair Play requirements, it will be crucial to reach an agreement with Alba over a reduction of his salary.

Whether they manage to do so or decide to terminate his contract and release him remains to be seen.