Barcelona’s new contract offer for midfielder has a huge 75% salary reduction | OneFootball

Sergio Busquets’ current contract with FC Barcelona expires in a little over three months and the midfielder is yet to make a decision on his next move.

The 34-year-old remains a key cog in the scheme of things under manager Xavi Hernandez, who wants his captain to stay at the club for another year. To that end, Barça have tabled a contract offer for the Spaniard for one year.

Given the club’s Financial Fair Play situation, it was obvious that Busquets would not be renewed at his current salary, which is around €30 million per year.

Now, Directo Gol is claiming that the club captain’s new contract, should he sign, would have a massive 75% salary reduction for the next season.

Indeed, as per the report, Busquets will go from earning around €30 million per year to pocketing somewhere close to €7-8 million-a-year.

It would be a massive drop in salary for the former Spain captain, but one which is necessitated by the club’s FFP situation and the complications it has created.

With the offer being tabled, the ball is now in Busquets’ court and it is up to him to decide whether he is willing to continue at a lowered salary or seeks a move away, amid interest from the MLS and the Middle East.

Busquets has been nearly an ever-present in Xavi’s starting XI this season when fit and available. The manager’s tactic of deploying four central midfielders in big games has also helped the veteran star put in commanding displays.

Should Busquets sign a new contract, Barcelona are unlikely to chase another pivot midfielder in the summer window. But, if the 34-year-old opts to move on, the Catalans will be forced into the market for a replacement, with Sofyan Amrabat of Fiorentina an option on the table.