Revealed: one reason why Barca won't terminate contracts of Pique & other veterans in January

Despite rumours, Barcelona have not started negotiations over the winter departures of Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets, Mundo Deportivo's reliable Fernando Polo (5 stars) claims.

Even if the Catalans offload the three veterans, their salaries would still remain on Barca's books until the end of the season. Thus, Barca believe it is better to keep the trio.

To offload the players, Blaugrana would have to pay a part of their remaining salaries and let them leave as free agents. Doing so mid-season makes little sense.

However, the club is not generally opposed to the departures of Pique and Alba as they have lost their starting spots.

Source: Mundo Deportivo