Ranking the highest paid player in Barcelona: 2024 Edition
In the world of football, Barcelona is not just a club, but also a symbol of luxury and strength. And at the heart of that splendor are the heroes on the field, the highest-paid players, who are not just football players but also cultural phenomena, symbols of faith, passion, and talent. Barcelona constantly renews itself by attracting and retaining the world’s top talents, and each new contract signing is not only a monetary agreement but also a commitment to the glorious future of the Barcelona club and its loyal fans. So, who is the highest paid player in Barcelona? In the following article, let’s find out at Kingsoccertips the 10 highest paid players in Barcelona that you may not know, to learn more interesting information about this team.
The highest paid player in Barcelona today
1. Lionel Messi (774,243 euros)
During his time at the Nou Camp, one of the most important tasks was negotiating Messi’s salary under a new two-year contract (until June 2023), with the option to extend for an additional year. This agreement was reached after the Argentine superstar agreed to reduce his salary, complying with Barcelona’s request.
Messi’s new salary is estimated at 68 million euros per year, according to a report by journalist Tancredi Palmeri (from beIN Sports channel). This number includes taxes and does not take into account additional bonuses such as the Ballon d’Or, winning La Liga, or the Champions League. Despite a reduction of 28 million euros compared to the previous contract, which was expected to end on June 30, 2020, including bonuses, Messi’s new salary of approximately 70 million euros per year still made him the highest paid player in Barcelona at that time.
2. Frenkie de Jong (€721,154) – Highest paid player in Barcelona
During the summer of 2021, midfielder Frenkie de Jong publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the terms of his contract with Barcelona. Now, with the details of this contract widely revealed, the Dutch player has more time to renegotiate and resolve the issue, especially after recovering from injury.
According to the details of the agreement, De Jong’s income will gradually increase over time, and this process will stop seven years after he joined Barcelona in 2019. During that time, his basic salary has increased to 18 million euros in the current season and is expected to reach 19 million euros next season. At the beginning of the contract, his basic salary was only 3 million euros. In total, his expected income will be 86.62 million euros, making him the highest paid player in Barcelona.
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3. Robert Lewandowski (520,769 euros)
During the summer transfer window of 2022, 34-year-old Polish striker Robert Lewandowski completed his move to Barcelona from Bayern Munich for a transfer fee of up to 42.5 million pounds. Details of Lewandowski’s ‘lavish but complicated’ contract were leaked by Spanish media, revealing a lot of notable information.
According to reports, in addition to the ‘9-figure’ release clause, Lewandowski will receive a salary of 10 million euros (equivalent to 8.6 million pounds) in his first year at Barcelona. It seems that Lewandowski’s salary at Camp Nou will increase over time according to a special calculation. At the age of 35, in the second year of his contract with Barcelona, Lewandowski’s salary will increase by 3 million euros, up to 13 million euros (about 11.2 million pounds). This makes him the highest paid player in Barcelona during that period.
4. İlkay Gündoğan (€360,577)
Before joining Barcelona at the beginning of the 2023-2024 season, there were many concerns about paying a salary of 9 million euros per year and signing a 3-year contract for a 33-year-old player like Gündoğan. However, the German midfielder blew away all doubts and proved that he is a valuable investment for the team at Camp Nou. After 38 matches in all competitions with the Blaugrana, Gündoğan has scored 5 goals and assisted his teammates 10 times, the highest number on the team.
He is also the player most trusted by coach Xavi, with more than 3,000 minutes on the field. Of the 100 opportunities that the 1990-born midfielder created this season, up to 30 came from fixed situations. Even when considering only opportunities from open-play situations, Gundogan is still only behind former Man City teammate Phil Foden, with 72 opportunities created.
5. Antoine Griezman (344,842 euros) – The highest paid player in Barcelona
Recently, detailed information about Antoine Griezmann’s contract with Barcelona was revealed after the forward completed a loan agreement with Atletico Madrid. According to a report from SPORT, Griezmann’s transfer fee in 2019 was up to 120 million euros. What is especially important, this source revealed that Griezmann’s salary after five seasons, if he stays at Barca, will amount to 95 million euros before tax, which is almost equal to the amount the club paid to sign him.
The reason Antoine Griezmann has such a ‘huge’ salary is that the contract includes a clause to increase his salary by 1 million euros every year. In his first year at Barcelona, Griezmann received a salary of 17 million euros. However, in the second year, this salary will increase to 18 million euros, then 19 million euros in the third year, 20 million euros in the fourth year, and finally 21 million euros in the fifth year. That’s why this player has reached the highest paid player in Barcelona.
6. Jules Kounde (260,577 euros)
Although Barcelona has not officially revealed Jules Kounde’s transfer fee, according to Cadena SER’s Que t’hi Jugues, this fee is estimated to be up to 62 million euros, including bonuses. This number is significantly higher than what has been reported in recent weeks. Before Barcelona reached an agreement, Sevilla and Chelsea signed a contract for a fee of 51 million pounds plus 4 million pounds in bonuses, totaling 55 million pounds (approximately 64.7 million euros).”
In addition to the fixed amount of 50 million euros, Barcelona may have to pay an additional 12.5 million euros in bonuses to Sevilla, which includes 2.5 million euros per season if Kounde participates in at least 60% of the matches. If Kounde signs a five-year contract, the defender will be valued at 62.5 million euros.
7. Sergio Busquets (258,214 euros)
Sergio Busquets, a symbol of stability and loyalty, veteran captain, and midfielder of Barcelona, has announced that he will leave the club at the end of the 2022 season. At the age of 35, Busquets believes that it is time to say goodbye to Camp Nou and leave the club he considered as ‘his home’. This decision marks the end of a meaningful era for both him and Barcelona. Although he has been a key player, Busquets was not the highest paid player in Barcelona, but his contributions and leadership were invaluable to the team.
After icons like Xavi (2016), Iniesta (2018), Messi (2021), and Pique (2022) left, Busquets remained the last player from Barcelona’s ‘golden generation’. This group of players dominated the Champions League final with an impressive victory over Manchester United in 2011 at Wembley. Both his club coach, Xavi Hernández, and former Spain coach, Luis Enrique, hope Busquets will continue playing at the highest level.
8. Miralem Pjanic (251,011 euros) – Highest paid player in Barcelona
In early August, we will sit down with the board of directors to decide on the team’s personnel situation. I have already made 99% of my decisions.” This is how Xavi Hernández described the team’s current situation during his recent appearance on the US tour. It is clear that there are too many players in the team, and Barcelona needs to reduce the number of players to balance the squad and generate revenue to address financial problems. Notably, Miralem Pjanic, being the highest paid player in Barcelona, is part of these discussions as the club reassesses its financial and squad strategy.
Among many issues, one surprise is Miralem Pjanic’s contract. Xavi noticed from the beginning of the US tour that the Bosnian was slowly regaining his form. He could become part of Barça’s new team if he convinces Xavi during pre-season. The Bosnian midfielder made good use of the opportunity he was given.
9. João Cancelo (€240,385)
Joao Cancelo is no longer in Pep Guardiola’s plans at Manchester City. After a conflict with the Spanish coach, he moved to Bayern Munich and then joined Barcelona on loan. At Bayern Munich, Cancelo quickly adapted and became an indispensable part of the squad. Therefore, Barcelona is planning to recruit the former Benfica star player at the end of the season.
However, the price offered by Manchester City posed a big barrier for Barcelona. According to information from SPORT, the La Liga champion is not willing to pay 40 million euros for this deal. Instead, 25 million euros was the final figure they could come up with. Barcelona is facing financial difficulties, so any plans to add personnel will be carefully considered, especially when it comes to negotiating with potentially the highest paid player in Barcelona.
10. Raphinha (240,385 €)
In the summer of 2022, Barcelona impressed by completing a 60 million euro deal for Raphinha from Leeds United, despite facing a financial crisis and fierce competition from Chelsea. This deal surprised fans.
To meet Leeds’ request, Barcelona proposed paying the fee in installments. This strategy not only reduces their financial burden but also allows them time to find the right solution. According to sources from Football Insider, before the January transfer window opens, Barcelona will transfer 21 million pounds (equivalent to 24 million euros) to Leeds’ account as per the agreement.
Conclusion
So, above is the highest paid player in Barcelona. The fact that this club pays the highest salaries to top stars is not only a financial strategy but also a clear demonstration of their commitment to building a powerful team. The presence of top players not only creates great attraction for fans but also shows Barcelona’s determination to achieve success on all fronts. This is an indispensable part of maintaining and developing their position in the future, not only professionally but also financially and with a long-term vision.
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