FOUR Barcelona stars have signed new contracts at the club, agreeing to pay-cuts after a very public war with the board.
Gerard Pique, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Frenkie De Jong and Clement Lenglet have all penned new long-term deals to stay at the Nou Camp.
Barcelona have confirmed the stars have agreed to 'temporary' pay-cuts while the club deals with the financial repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic.
The LaLiga giants lost £180million just last season alone due to the lockdown.
Players had been locked in a war with the board over the terms of the proposed new contracts.
But the board stated they would not be giving an inch in negotiations, with a statement even claiming there is 'no legal basis' to negotiate given the current economic crisis.
A letter seen by Marca added: "Your remuneration levels are only maintained in a scenario of full economic performance, as you well know, and this happens also at all European football clubs."
Reports claim the Barcelona squad sent a letter to the board stating they would not accept a pay-cut.
But Catalunya Radio later revealed three players refused to team-up with their Barca pals – Lenglet, Ter Stegen and De Jong.
And now the trio – and veteran Pique – have signed new terms, including the temporary pay cuts.
A statement read: "FC Barcelona and the first team players Gerard Pique, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Clement Lenglet and Frenkie de Jong have reached an agreement for the extension of their respective contracts.
"These agreements have been reached following weeks of negotiations.
"[They] include a temporary salary adjustment due to the current circumstances brought about the Covid-19 induced crisis."
Pique, 33 – now into his 13th season at the Nou Camp – has extended his deal until 2024.
The Spaniard's release clause has been set at £450m – with his extension 'subject to making a certain number of appearances in the 2021-22 season'.
Ter Stegen, 28, will now remain at the club until at least the end of the 2024-25 season – and also sees his release clause set at a staggering £450m.
Lenglet, 25, and De Jong, 23, have both extended their deals until 2026, with their release fees set at £270m and £360m respectively.
Source: Read Full Article