Barcelona, one of the most successful teams in Europe, has been facing financial difficulties in recent years. Despite improvements under Joan Laporta, they still struggle to compete with wealthier clubs. As a result, they have missed out on talented players who have chosen to join teams with deeper pockets, disregarding the opportunities available in Catalonia.
Although Barcelona may not possess the same financial power they once had, they still pay significant sums to their star players. In the following paragraphs, we will examine the three highest-earning individuals and evaluate their performances this season.
According to Capology, Frenkie de Jong, a central midfielder, currently holds the title of Barcelona’s highest-paid player. The 26-year-old joined the club from Ajax in July 2019 for a fee of €86 million ($92.6 million). Presently, he receives a gross salary of $775,757 per week, with a net salary of $372,363/week. De Jong’s lucrative contract with the Blaugrana will expire in June 2026, and it includes a staggering release clause of $430.2 million.
In second place, we find Robert Lewandowski, widely regarded as one of the greatest center-forwards in the history of the sport. The Polish icon earns a remarkable gross salary of $560,200 per week, with a net wage of $289,928 per week. Lewandowski joined Barcelona from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022 for a fee of €45 million ($48.46 million). He signed a four-year contract with the club and stands to earn approximately $42 million in wages if he remains until the end of his deal. Furthermore, his contract includes an extraordinary release clause exceeding $500 million.
Lastly, Ilkay Gundogan, a gifted central midfielder, arrived at Barcelona as a free agent from Manchester City last summer. He receives a gross salary of $387,878 per week, with a net take-home of $186,182 per week. Gundogan, who also possesses a release clause of $430.2 million, will become a free agent in June 2025.
Among Barcelona’s top earners, De Jong has had a respectable season. He has impressed with his passing ability, leadership skills, and unwavering stamina, providing an advantage against challenging opponents. The former Ajax player has appeared in 22 matches across all competitions, scoring one goal.
On the other hand, Lewandowski has struggled to meet expectations in his second season with Barcelona. After winning the Pichichi Trophy last year, the Polish striker has been unable to maintain consistency, finding the back of the net just 14 times in 31 games across various competitions.
Finally, Gundogan has arguably been Barcelona’s standout player of the season. The five-time Premier League winner has not only impressed with his flawless passing, but also with his efficiency in front of goal. In La Liga, the 33-year-old has contributed five goals and five assists in 23 appearances, showcasing his creativity and skill.
According to the Source sportslens.com