Busquets and Alba want to know future coach before entering negotiations – report

A report from Onze TV3, relayed via CAT Radio states that the Barcelona board are planning to meet with two of the team’s senior-most players in Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets to discuss a potential reduction in salary to curb the overflowing wage bill.

The program discussed that Busquets’ agent Josep Maria Orobitg has already been summoned for a negotiation on Friday, while Jordi Alba is also set to meet with the club representatives in order to discuss a pay cut.

This is in line with previous reports that stated Barcelona would meet with a lot of the heavyweights at the club to either reduce their wage or discuss moves out to take further steps towards reducing the massive economic load. Aside from Busquets and Alba, the same possibilities have been discussed for Gerard Pique, Sergi Roberto and Antoine Griezmann.

However, Busquets and Alba reportedly want more clarity on the future of Ronald Koeman as head coach and whether or not he will continue next season, before entering any dealings, since it will reportedly affect a lot of factors on a personal and sporting level.

Busquets’ current deal runs on till 2024, while Alba’s ends in 2023. While they are first-team regulars under Koeman, there are concerns regarding change on that front if Joan Laporta replaces the Dutchman this summer, regarding which there have already been meetings.

If Laporta fails to line up a suitable replacement, it is believed Koeman will continue at the club for at least one more season. Laporta is set to speak in a press conference on Friday morning, the 28th of May, where he can be expected to provide more clarity on a number of fronts.