Barcelona officially register Depay and Garcia thanks to Pique salary cut

Barcelona have finally registered new signings Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia after Gerard Pique agreed to a “substantial” pay cut.

The Catalans have faced well-documented financial problems, leading to the exit of all-time leading scorer Lionel Messi this week and leaving them unable to officially add players to their squad.

However, Messi’s switch to Paris Saint-Germain and Pique’s willingness to accept a reduced wage ensures that Barcelona now meet LaLiga’s salary cap limit.

And on the eve of Sunday’s opening LaLiga clash with Real Sociedad, Barca announced Depay and Garcia, as well as striker Rey Manaj, are all able to play competitive football.

A statement on Barcelona’s website on Saturday read: “FC Barcelona is able to register Memphis, Eric Garcia and Rey Manaj to play in the Spanish Liga de Futbol Profesional. 

“This has been made possible thanks to an agreement with Gerard Pique whereby the Barca 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.”

Barcelona added that they are working closely with Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets to adapt the pair’s salaries as they look to further reduce their wage bill.

Both players are “totally and utterly willing to cooperate” with Barca, who have also offloaded Jean-Clair Todibo, Junior Firpo, Konrad De la Fuente and Matheus Fernandes during the close season.

Ronald Koeman, speaking at a news conference on Saturday ahead of the visit of Sociedad, praised Barca’s long-serving players for helping the club during a difficult period.

“We know perfectly well the financial situation of the club and it needs help in every way,” Koeman said. 

“The attitude of Gerard, [Sergi] Roberto, Busquets and Alba must be highlighted. Those who have been here for many years want to help the club improve the economic situation.

“It is important and shows that they are people from home.”

Sergio Aguero has yet to be registered by Barca, but the LaLiga giants are in no rush to do so as the Argentina international has been ruled out for 10 weeks through injury.

Barca’s other recent arrival Emerson Royal is believed to already be registered as he is returning from a loan spell with Real Betis.