Barcelona, through the last two decades, have been blessed by incredible footballers. Players who have marked an era at the club through not only their football, but also their generosity and love for the club.
Over the last six months only, Barcelona have seen three legends of the club leave, starting with Gerard Pique, who called his time in football quits entirely. He gave up €30 million in deferred salary he was owed by Barcelona.
This followed Sergio Busquets’ departure announcement as he refused to extend his contract with Barcelona after this summer. The Spaniard had also taken multiple salary cuts during his time at the club, and gave up the salary he was owed after his departure.
Jordi Alba has followed suit, as well. The Spaniard will leave the club at the end of the season after 11 years with the first-team.
And according to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Alba has officially mutually terminated his contract, and has given up more than 60% of the salary he was going to receive for the last season of his contract – lasting until July 2024.
According to previous reports, Barcelona would have had to pay Alba nearly €38 million during his last season, but Barcelona will have to pay him nothing over €16 million as severance for cancelling his contract and slashing his salary.
Alba was the starting left-back for Barcelona for a decade before Alejandro Balde took over the spot this season.
And despite that, Alba’s contributions off the bench, and as a deputy player have been massive for Barça through the league season.
He ended his 2022/23 La Liga campaign with two goals and three assists, averaging 1.6 key passes per game, while creating 12 big chances – second highest in the squad after Raphinha (17).
Not to mention the off-field role he took on, mentoring Alejandro Balde and helping the youngsters in the squad.
However, it is evident that Alba still has a fair fit of top flight football left in him, and as such, he will likely continue his adventure elsewhere. Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Benfica are interested in his services.
