Gerard Pique: 'I'd start over any Barcelona signing'

14 Jun 2022 09:55 CDT
3 min read

Gerard Pique has thrown down the gauntlet over his future at Barcelona, claiming he would still be a starter even if the club signed the best defender in the world.

Pique has reportedly been told by manager Xavi that he is not counting on the 35-year-old for next season after concerns over his fitness and off-the-pitch behaviour.

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The captain's season was riddled with injuries and he ended the campaign struggling with a long-standing adductor issue, prompting the club to consider replacing him.

However, Pique challenged the club to sign whoever they want, allegedly saying: "Go ahead. Bring in the best centre-back in the world. He will be a substitute and I'll start."

Xavi had been hoping for an amicable resolution to the situation but it appears Pique is unwilling to go down without a fight.

Can Barcelona afford to call Pique's bluff?

Barcelona are keen on bringing in another defender and mentioned Sevilla's Jules Kounde as an option in addition to the impending arrival of Andreas Christensen from Chelsea.

However, Kounde's asking price would be upwards of €60 million and, with Barca operating on a limited budget, any move for the Frenchman would currently be unlikely.

Gerard Piqué's promises to Laporta:

- To focus exclusively on football
- No social media
- No Twitch
- No more focus on his companies
- Maintain his best level
- Reduce his salary to help with the wage bill

— @sport pic.twitter.com/Z4VMroOxT8
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) June 13, 2022

Pique has also been dealing with issues in his personal life, going through a well-publicised break-up with his superstar wife Shakira.

The distractions off-the-pitch and his declining ability on it saw Xavi tell his captain of his intentions in a face-to-face meeting two weeks ago.

But Pique is still owed €50m in deferred salary and remains one of the highest earners at the club, meaning he is said to be '99% likely' to stay at Barcelona.

He has two years remaining on his deal but club president Joan Laporta is desperate to renegotiate terms with Pique and all the top earners.

Barca are looking to reduce their wage bill by more than a quarter by the end of the summer despite plans for ambitious signings including Kounde and Robert Lewandowski.