Barcelona considering using the ‘Umtiti formula’ to resolve veteran star’s contract issue

With Barcelona in desperate need to cut down their wage bill, they are looking at all possible avenues and measures to reduce their salary budget so that they can sign and register players in the summer.

One such avenue that the Catalans are exploring involves veteran defender Jordi Alba. The 34-year-old left-back will be entering the final year of his contract in the summer and will be owed a massive €38 million for the 2023/24 season, thanks to deferred payments from the past.

Hence, Barcelona are hoping to discuss the situation with Alba and find a resolution over the same. And, according to SPORT, the La Liga leaders will offer the veteran defender an option to leave the club with the letter of freedom.

However, if Alba does not accept such a proposal, which is likely considering that he has always said that he wishes to see out his contract at the club, Barcelona plan to utilise the ‘Umtiti formula’ with the Spaniard.

Last year, when Barça were unable to register new signings in January and were unable to offload Samuel Umtiti, they agreed a new downward contract renewal with the Frenchman while also adding a few more years (until 2026) to his existing deal.

This meant that his wages were spread over a longer period of time, helping them reduce the salary expenses for that particular year.

Now, Barcelona are hoping to repeat the trick with Alba as well by adding more time to his contract so that his salary is spread across several years, thus helping them with their salary limit for the next season.

Alba has lost prominence in Xavi’s plans this season with Alejandro Balde taking over as the first-choice left-back. The Spaniard has not featured in a single game for the Catalans since the defeat to UD Almeria in February and the club are clear that he is no longer a key player.

Hence, they wish to save his salary and will look to offer him a letter of freedom. But, Alba is unlikely to want to leave which is why Barcelona intend to discuss a salary reduction with him or a possible renewal so that his salary gets distributed over several seasons.

Barça will hope to hold talks and reach a resolution as soon as possible as it is important for the club to reduce their wage budget by June 30.