Barcelona confirmed Saturday they have been able to register summer signings Memphis Depay, Eric
Garcia as well as striker Rey Manaj for the upcoming La Liga season after
second captain Gerard Pique agreed to “substantially” reduce his wages.

The
Catalans’ financial woes have prevented them from registering new players, while
also resulting in the failure to re-sign club legend Lionel Messi. The
Blaugranas have been desperately trying to balance their books to abide by La
Liga’s wage caps all summer, but had so far been unable to make the necessary
changes.

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“Barcelona
is able to register Memphis, Eric Garcia and Rey Manaj to play in the Spanish
Liga de Futbol Profesional,” the club said in a statement. “This has been made
possible thanks to an agreement with Gerard Piqué whereby the Barça second
captain’s salary has been substantially reduced.”

“This means
that all of the first team players will be available for selection by Ronald
Koeman for this Sunday’s opening Liga fixture against Real Sociedad,” the club added.
 

However, Sergio
Aguero is still unavialble for selection as he is yet to be registered. Barca
have confirmed they are currently in negotiations with other captains Sergio
Busquests and Jordi Alba to adapt their salaries to the club’s current
situation.

Also Read | All the facts you need to know about Lionel Messi’s legendary Barca career

“It must be
noted that both players are totally and utterly willing to cooperate,” they
added.

Apart from Messi,
who left as a free agent, the club has been able to offload a number of players
in an attempt to reduce their wage bill. Jean-Clair Todibo was sold to OGC Nice
for €8 million, Carles Alena was sold to Getafe for €5 million, Konrad de la
Fuente was sold to Marseille for €3.5 million while Junior Firpo was sold to Leeds
United for €15 million.

Additionally,
the club received €6 million from Wolverhampton Wanderers for a year-long loan
deal for Francisco Trincao, while Matheus Fernandes’ contract has been
terminated.