Jordi Alba gives up €38m in deferred wages, leaves Barcelona one year early

Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has given up around €38 million in deferred wages as he prepares to leave the club this summer, according to Relevo.

The 34-year-old will leave the club this summer and is preparing to announce his decision shortly.

Alba has been an instrumental player for Barcelona since rejoining the Catalans from Valencia in 2012.

However, the left-back has lost his place to youngster Alejandro Balde. Alba has only started 13 La Liga games this term, bagging two goals and three assists.

Barcelona owed Alba €38m in deferred wages from the COVID-19 period. He is one of the players that has taken multiple deferrals to help the club stay afloat.

The Catalan club wanted to reduce his salary again or move him on this summer. They left the decision in his hands, and he decided to walk away.

Alba will go down as one of the club’s greatest left-backs. He formed an incredible connection with Lionel Messi.

He has helped the club win numerous major trophies including six league titles, five Copa del Reys and the Champions League.

Alba made 458 appearances for the Blaugrana, netting 27 goals and 99 assists.

He has also made 91 appearances for Spain, scoring ten goals and assisting another 22. He helped them win the 2012 European Championship.

Alba becomes the second long-term servant of the club to leave this summer, joining long-serving midfielder Sergio Busquets.

Barcelona will miss Busquets, who has screened their defence for the past 15 years.

It is unclear where Alba and Busquets will end up playing next season. The left-back reportedly has offers from Atletico Madrid and Juventus.

Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal are interested in signing Busquets.