Barcelona president Bartomeu could ask Lionel Messi to take a pay cut amid financial woes

While Lionel Messi transfer saga has ended with player anuncing his decision to stay at Barcelona this season, Argentine continues to have a fractious relationship with club president Josep Bartomeu. forward had earlier accused Bartomeu of failing to keep his word when it came to discussions regarding a move away from Barcelona this summer. After returning to training recently, Lionel Messi is due to meet Barcelona president for first time since transfer saga ended, with press reports indicating that forward may be asked to take a pay cut.

Also Read: Barcelona Icon Lionel Messi Becomes Second BILLIONAIRE Footballer After Cristia Ronaldo

Bartomeu to discuss reducing Messi's ws

Lionel Messi and Josep Bartomeu will meet face to face for first time since former asked to leave Barcelona. Providing details of meeting, Spanish outlet Deportes Cuatro has w revealed that Barcelona president will ask Lionel Messi to take a pay cut in a bid to ease club’s financial woes. Reportedly, Lionel Messi will be asked to take lead as club captain, with Bartomeu looking to trim Barcelona’s w ball via a salary cut for players. Despite receiving £66.4 million from sale of Arthur Melo to Juventus, Barcelona are looking to furr reduce ir w bill, with Lionel Messi expected to lead efforts.

Also Read: Lionel Messi Silences Doubters By Showing Commitment In Optional Barca Training Session

Lionel Messi is currently in last year of his contract with Barcelona. According to media reports, Lionel Messi currently earns around £988,000-a-week in ws. Recently, a Football Leaks report had shed light on finances involving Lionel Messi’s contract with Barcelona. According to report, in addition to his weekly ws, Lionel Messi pockets £9.1million via im rights and £13 million through loyalty bonuses each year.

Also Read: Lionel Messi Dodges Argentina Ban Ahead Of World Cup Qualifiers

Barcelona’s finances hit hard by COVID-19 pandemic

call to Lionel Messi to take a pay cut is influenced by club’s precarious financial position. In May, Barcelona first vice president Jordi Cardoner had claimed that club had already lost up to £121million due to coronavirus outbreak. Mirror also disclosed that Barcelona have reported losses of £90.4 million, with club accounts for 2019/20 season severely impacted by pandemic. call by Barcelona president Bartomeu to reduce player salaries wouldn’t be first, with players earlier this year agreeing to take a 70% pay cut to help Barcelona financially. Barcelona have also anunced that y are open to selling naming rights for Camp u for one year in a bid to raise additional revenue.

Also Read: De Bruyne Labels Messi GOAT, Insists His Transfer Could've Helped Man City

Im Credits: Lionel Messi Instagram, AP