Barcelona Star Must Take 50 Per Cent Wage Cut To Remain At Club

Although he is the fourth captain, the right-back is not a starter for the Blaugrana these days and a recent surgery on a thigh injury means he has only played 13 times for the club this season.

The two parties have not properly entered contract negotiations, with Barcelona willing to offer him a new deal but only if he accepts to slash his salary.

The club feel the request is fair given Roberto's injury troubles of late and his position within the squad.

However, it's said Roberto's entourage are looking to hold a meeting with Barcelona to discuss the matter this week.

Roberto is expected to be fit and available again around April time, a couple of months before his contract at the Nou Camp expires at the end of the season.

The Spain international has played 316 times for Barca, winning six league titles.

Due to their financial situation, which has seen them rack up €1.35 billion's worth of debt, Barca have been forced to ask a number of their big earners to take a wage cut.

Lionel Messi had also settled on a hefty wage cut but Barca still couldn't meet La Liga's financial regulations, hence his departure to Paris Saint-Germain.

After experiencing the difficulty to president Joan Laporta has decided to implement a salary cap on new additions.

Starting from June 30, Barca will have a wage cap of €10 million in a bid to crack down on hefty contracts that aren't sustainable.