Losing Lionel Messi and Griezmann, Barcelona Still Have a Transfer Income Below Southampton

FC Barcelona have been one of the most successful clubs in Europe for the past two decades. Boasting some of the best players in the world like Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho to name a few, the Blaugrana have won numerous trophies and have pretty much been at the pinnacle of Spanish football alongside Real Madrid.

Barca have endured a horrendous 2021 transfer market so far. While the club did announce the signing of free agents like Memphis Depay, Eric Garcia and Sergio Aguero, Barcelona couldn’t register the three is their side.

The primary reason for the same is the massive wage budget the club has. While talisman Messi who had been at the club for 17 years tried to take a wage cut, Barca couldn’t afford the Argentine and ultimately let go off the best player the club has ever seen.

READ MORE- VIDEO: Nike Restores Old Court Where Cristiano Ronaldo First Played Soccer

How much money have Barcelona earned this transfer window?

Messi’s departure was just the start of a domino effect at the club. Desperately trying to fend off the wage bill, the club were in a selling spree. Another big departure in the summer was that of Antoine Griezmann who was sent out on loan.

After selling or loaning out 12 players and adding six players either from a free transfer or on loan, Barca have only managed to get a profit of €47.35 million. Given that they lost two of their biggest names in Messi and Griezmann, Barca getting only €47 million in return seems like a bargain to other clubs.

With such a moderate amount the Blaugrana haven’t even made it to the top 10. Instead, English club Southampton have the 10th most earning across Europe. Although departed from big name players, majority of their big outgoings have gone out on loan.

These moves might not guarantee a fee, they do reduce the wage bill. One of the biggest problems that Barca have faced over the years is their inability to get rid of ineffective players.

The prime example of this is Samuel Umtiti. The Frenchman who rarely makes an appearance, earns €14 million per year. Given the hefty contract the club gave him a while back, no top club is willing to buy him right now. Some other players who may fit into the list are Philippe Coutinho.

Barca are a club who were in a big financial crisis and have been forced to make moves that look terrible on paper. But with the business they have done this summer, they have been able to save a whooping €129.5 million.

If they successfully get rid of players like Coutinho and Umtiti in the next window, expect a stark difference in the wage bill. The faster the club tries to solve its problems, the faster Barca will grow as a team. How do you think Barcelona will perform this season? Let us know in the comments section down below.