Barcelona could mutually terminate captain’s contract in the summer – report

In an attempt to reduce their wage bill and focus on new signings, Barcelona could resort to departures through mutual agreement in the summer. One of the players that could face this, according to SPORT, is Jordi Alba.

Alba will have a salary of €38 million next season, including deferred wages, which puts him as one of the highest-earners in Europe.

Barça are facing huge economic problems ahead of next summer, with the league requiring them to reduce the wage bill by more than €200 million if they want to sign players.

They have also faced trouble registering new contracts due to the same, with Gavi’s extension becoming particularly difficult.

The Catalans tried to register the youngster to their first-team in the winter by giving him new jersey number and higher salary, but have recently been forced to demote him again after orders from the court.

La Liga president Javier Tebas also commented on the situation, bluntly saying that he did not let Barcelona make signings in the winter, and that the situation is likely to continue in the summer.

This has led to beef with Barça president Joan Laporta, who has constantly called out Tebas for controversially siding against the Catalan club.

As such, reducing the wage bill becomes priority numero uno for Barcelona.

Alba is one of the first players on the transfer list, therefore, not only because of his high salary, but also because he no longer holds a starting spot in the team.

Xavi, from the start, has preferred the services of Alejandro Balde in defence, with the youngster putting in excellent shifts against the likes of Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, among other teams.

Alba had refused to move out in the summer amidst interest from Inter Milan, and has already spoken about his desire to continue at Barça for the next few seasons.

He has also claimed that he has never refused to reduce his salary, and that he would do anything to help the club.

“I have a year left on my contract, and if necessary, I’m willing to reduce my salary. It’s the club’s decision, and I’ve always helped when they’ve asked me to do so,” he said.

Now, Alba has a year left on his contract, but there will likely be more speculation on his future in the coming months.