Barcelona captain will receive ‘no wages’ for the upcoming season – report

The true extent of Barcelona’s financial mess has only come to the forefront in the current transfer window. Despite activating multiple economic levers and shipping out players, the club are unable to register their new signings.

The fourth lever was activated earlier today as the Catalans sold 24.5% of Barca Studios to Orpheus Media for €100 million. Yet, it seems like that will not suffice.

According to reports from The Athletic UK, Gerard Pique could accept a wage reduction to help his club register new players. However, it is the extent of reduction that is shocking.

It is said that the Spaniard may not receive a salary at all for the 2022-23 season. This means that Pique will virtually play for the club for free in the upcoming season.

The centre-back will take a wage during his final contractual season (2023-24), but there is no mention of deferred payment for the upcoming term. The final details are still being worked out by the parties.

If the revelation is true, Pique’s willingness to accept such a proposal should be an inspiration for generations to come. Last season too, it was the centre-back who took a massive pay cut to enable the registration of Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia.

After receiving the medical all-clear in the preseason, Pique will look to start Barcelona’s opener against Rayo Vallecano. Yet, he faces tough competition this season given the arrival of Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen.