BARCELONA are locked in talks with senior players including Lionel Messi in a bid to reduce their wage packets because of the economic impact of the coronavirus, according to reports.
The Catalan giants have by far the highest wage bill in Europe, topping a staggering £438million per season.
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Barcelona last played on March 7 in a narrow 1-0 win over Real Sociedad and their season is unlikely to resume before May.
It means they are struggling to attract the income required to keep the extraordinary costs of the club running.
According to Marca, a board meeting that took place last Wednesday suggested the club cut wages of the highest earners.
The decision was then taken to senior squad members including captain Lionel Messi this weekend.
It means Messi could see his staggering £1.15million-a-week wages cut while the season has been postponed.
Barcelona also have three other senior stars who earn over £300,000-a-week including Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Sergio Busquets.
The report adds the players have reacted positively to the suggestion although it can’t be determined how much their wages will be reduced without knowing how long competitions will be suspended.
Barca generates huge incomes from LaLiga and the Champions League – both of which are currently postponed.
They welcome a profitable figure through ticket sales with the Nou Camp having the capacity to host over 99,000 people.
The Champions League also turns in a hefty fee with Uefa paying out a share of £2.35bn to participating clubs in the competition.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi earns an incredible £83.2million-a-year at the Nou Camp
It was reported how the club could also cash in on Griezmann to help bolster the coffers in the summer.
Despite signing the 2018 World Cup winner from rivals Atletico Madrid for £108million just last summer, the Catalan giants could be prepared to cut their losses in order to bring in some cash.
Reports in Spanish outlet AS suggest the club are looking to save money as they come under strain during these unprecedented times.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
