Barcelona register Memphis & Eric Garcia after Pique takes pay cut

Barcelona have confirmed the club has been able to register new signings Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia as well as striker Rey Manaj after center-back Gerard Pique agreed to take a substantial pay-cut.

The news means that the players will be able to feature in Sunday’s opening La Liga match against Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou which will be a big boost to manager Ronald Koeman.

Barcelona also added that contract negotations continue with Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba who could follow Pique’s lead and accept further pay-cuts.

Here’s the club’s official statement:

“FC Barcelona is able to register Memphis, Eric Garcia and Rey Manaj to play in the Spanish Liga de Futbol Profesional. This has been made possible thanks to an agreement with Gerard Piqué whereby the Barça second captain’s salary has been substantially reduced.

“This means that all of the first team players will be available for selection by Ronald Koeman for this Sunday’s opening Liga fixture against Real Sociedad.”

“The club is also continuing to work with two of the other captains, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, to adapt their salaries to the club’s current situation. It must be noted that both players are totally and utterly willing to cooperate.

“This summer, FC Barcelona has achieved a number of sales and loans with regard to its senior squad that have meant that all of the players can be registered for the start of the 2021/22 season. Jean-Clair Todibo was sold for 8 million euro to OGC Nice, Junior Firpo went to Leeds United for 15 million, Trincao was loaned to Wolverhampton Wanderers for 6 million, Carles Aleñá was traded to Getafe for 5 million and Konrad De la Fuente left for Olympique Marseille in exchange for 3.5 million. The latter two operations were at 50% because they included the right to repurchase. In addition, Matheus Fernandes’ contract was terminated.”

Source | FC Barcelona

It’s thought Barca will look to register Sergio Aguero later this month but don’t need to rush as he’s been ruled out for 10 weeks with a calf problem.