On Thursday, Spanish defender Gerard Piquemade a formal announcement of his exitfrom Barcelona through a video broadcast to his social media accounts.Despite the fact that Blaugrana’salleged desire to have him go had been widely speculated, his departure nevertheless caught everyone off guard.
His decision comes after years of poor play that has earned him naysays from fans and allowed players like Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and even Marcos Alonso to leapfrog him.Consequently, the veteran has chosen to retire from professional soccer after this weekend’s encounter against Almeria.
El Larguero claims that Pique has not only announced his retirement but also given up onhis right to any compensation from the club.Given that the 35-year-old was one of the highest-earning players on the Camp Nou side’sbooks, this development would free up a substantial portion of the Barca salary.
Who could besuccessor to Gerard Pique at Barcelona?
Inigo Martinez of Athletic Club. (Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Pique’s presence on the Barcelonaroster was helpful during an injury crisis despite not being utilized often by Xavi Hernandez this season. The issue then arises as to whether the Blaugrana would attempt to replace him with another defender in the next January transfer window.
Multiple reports, including the Catalan newspapers Sportand Mundo Deportivo reportthat the Blaugrana havealready found InigoMartinez as Pique’s successor and that he will join the team in the next season, most likely as a free agent after the season’s conclusion.The sources add that the club hasn’t ruled out making a deal for the Spain international in January, although doing so is very unlikely unless the squad suffers other defensive injuries.
In addition, ifBasque team Athletic Clubare prepared to negotiate a fair price to sell their defensive stalwart who is entering the last six months of his current deal, Barcelonamay opt to move up the timeline of their plans to January itself, as was reported.
It has been said that Barca havebeen in contact with the 31-year-oldfor several months and that the club even contemplated making a move for him this summer; however, Athletic’s asking price prevented him from making the jump.The Martinez plan, however, also hit a roadblock when Xavi got Jules Kounde.
