Arturo Vidal becomes the second player to sue Barcelona over unpaid bonuses this season.
Barcelona find themselves in even more legal troubles as Arturo Vidal is suing the club over unpaid bonuses from last season. He joins Neymar as the latest player suing the club for a similar reason.
Vidal and his representatives allege that Barcelona owe him €2.4 million after meeting certain conditions the prior season. However, the Catalan side believe that the lawsuit comes with ulterior motives.
More from Everything Barca
- FC Barcelona tracking Belgian Wonderkid
- FC Barcelona vs Betis Player Ratings
- Barça boss Xavi to get contract extension
- FC Barcelona planning swoop for Arsenal midfielder
- Barcelona interested in €30 million wonderkid
Mundo Deportivo report that the club believes that Vidal is doing this as a way to force a move to another club.
The player has made it no secret that he wants to play more and if he doesn’t then look for greener pastures elsewhere.
According to Diario Sport, when asked about the lawsuit, he said,
"“The person in charge of this is not me. For that it’s my representative and my lawyer, who takes care of these bonuses.”"
When asked about his future at Barcelona, he reiterated it’s something he’ll resolve once he’s back with the club.
On their end, Barcelona were caught by surprise by the lawsuit as they claim that they have paid everything that is owed to the player.
They found it surprising that Vidal did not make any mention or complaint following the end of last season. Which is why, internally, they believe it’s a ploy to get the club to agree to sell him.
At this point, Inter Milan is likely the only possible destination for Vidal as it’s the team that has been most heavily rumored to be interested in him. Financially, he would be set to benefit even if he was on the same wages given the difference in tax structure between the two countries.
The Chilean midfielder appears to be doing everything he can to force their hand but a move now may be more complicated than a week ago.
Carles Aleña had long been rumored with a loan move to Real Betis and that move has finally gone through.
His future was dependent on the future of Vidal. Given that there is now one less midfielder, any side coming in for him will now need to make an offer that Barcelona cannot refuse.
Despite the Chilean’s efficiency in front of goal, his playing style never fit in and it’s evident he’s not going to be a starter with Busquets, De Jong, Arthur and a resurgent Ivan Rakitic in front of him.
He probably sees that and Barcelona should cut their losses, and headaches, and move on. It seems like that would be best for both sides.