FC Barcelona wants to cut Lionel Messi and Co.’s salaries by 191 million euros

The financial situation of FC Barcelona is becoming more dramatic. As announced by the club, they have “serious financial problems” due to the crown crisis. There was a lack of revenue of over € 300 million, he said. “This requires a salary adjustment of 191 million euros”. The club did not provide details on its savings model.

However, the board and the players could not agree on a salary waiver. “After several days of intense meetings,” both sides “concluded the consultation phase without reaching an agreement,” he said. Both sides now want to take their time until November 23 to force a deal.

According to Spanish media reports, Barca could go bankrupt in January if the players of superstar Lionel Messi do not give up a portion of their salaries. “The club must accept that it cannot achieve the minimum objectives required. Professional footballers must make a greater contribution than expected”, reads the statement.

The debt is 820 million euros

According to current economic data, the club’s gross debt is 820 million euros. Barcelona’s problem in the crown crisis is due, among other things, to travel restrictions, the club thrives on tourism. Around 100,000 people enter the Camp Nou stadium, the club’s museum is the most visited in Catalonia. But, above all, salaries and redundancies weigh on Barça.

Messi is said to receive a base salary of over 70 million euros a year and in recent years the club has bought Ousmane Dembélé, Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann for over 100 million euros each. Last season, the club achieved a record turnover of 990 million euros and a profit of just four million euros.

But despite the famous players, there was no success. The club last won the Champions League in 2015. In August, Barça lost 8-2 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final. In the Spanish league, Barcelona are only eighth. Barça have only won three of their seven games.

Almost regardless of financial problems, manager Ronald Koeman, who joined in the summer, called on new players on Wednesday in an interview with “Mundo Deportivo”. You have to continue on the path you have chosen, Koeman said. However, the Dutchman doubts he has the ideal team. He said what he needed several times. In some positions you are limited, but this is also due to the situation of the club, said the former manager.